How to respond to a "Just wanted to say hi" text from an old friend

When an old friend reaches out with a casual Just wanted to say hi text, it can be a great opportunity to rekindle a connection and catch up on each other’s lives. However, it can also be daunting to respond, especially if you haven’t spoken in a while. You might wonder what to say, how much to share, and how to navigate the conversation. Fear not! With some strategic responses, you can turn a simple hi into a meaningful conversation.

First, it’s essential to acknowledge your friend’s greeting and show enthusiasm for reconnecting. A simple Hey! So great to hear from you! or Hi! Long time no talk! sets a positive tone for the conversation. You can also add a personal touch by mentioning a shared memory or inside joke:

Hey! I was just thinking about that crazy night we had at the concert last year

If you want to take the conversation further, you can ask an open-ended question that encourages your friend to share more about their life. For example:

How’s life been treating you lately?

What’s new and exciting in your world?

What have you been up to since we last caught up?

These questions demonstrate interest in your friend’s life and invite them to share more about their experiences.

Another strategy is to share a brief update about your own life, which can help create a sense of mutual interest and encourage your friend to respond in kind. You might say:

I’ve been keeping busy with work/school, but I finally started that side project I’ve been meaning to tackle

I just got back from an amazing trip to the beach

I’ve been trying to get back into hiking and have discovered some amazing new trails

This kind of sharing can help re-establish a connection and create a sense of camaraderie.

If you’re unsure about how to respond or want to keep the conversation light, you can always fall back on a friendly, non-committal response. For instance:

Hey, just getting back into the swing of things after the holidays

I’ve been meaning to reach out to you too!

It’s so great to hear from you, I’ve been thinking about you lately

These responses acknowledge your friend’s message without committing to a lengthy conversation.

As the conversation unfolds, pay attention to your friend’s responses and adapt your tone and content accordingly. If they seem receptive to chatting, you can dive deeper into topics like shared interests, common friends, or upcoming events. If they seem busy or preoccupied, you can keep the conversation brief and light.

Remember, the goal is to rekindle a connection, not to write a novel or solve world problems. Keep your responses concise, friendly, and genuine, and you’ll be well on your way to reigniting a meaningful friendship.

Here are some more example responses to help you respond to a Just wanted to say hi text:

Hey! It’s great to hear from you! How’s the family?

Long time no talk! What’s new with you?

Hi! I was just thinking about you the other day, funny how life works out

Hey, I’ve been meaning to reach out to you too! How’s life been?

It’s so great to hear from you, I’ve been thinking about you lately

Hey! I’ve been meaning to ask you, have you traveled anywhere exciting recently?

Hi! What’s new and exciting in your world?

Hey, I’ve been keeping busy with work/school, but I finally started that side project I’ve been meaning to tackle

I’ve been trying to get back into hiking and have discovered some amazing new trails

Hey, I just got back from an amazing trip to the beach

By using these strategies and example responses, you can turn a casual Just wanted to say hi text into a meaningful conversation that rekindles an old friendship. So go ahead, respond with enthusiasm, ask open-ended questions, and share a little about yourself. You never know where the conversation might lead!

Be kind ❤