What to Text Someone You Haven’t Talked to in a Long Time

Reaching out to someone after a long time can feel awkward—you might wonder if they’ll respond or if things will feel the same. Whether you lost touch due to busy schedules, distance, or life just getting in the way, reconnecting doesn’t have to be complicated.

If you’re unsure what to text someone you haven’t talked to in a long time, the key is to keep it simple, genuine, and light. A thoughtful message can bring back great memories, rekindle friendships, or even mend past misunderstandings. Sometimes, all it takes is a small effort to restart a meaningful conversation.

Simple and Friendly Reopening Messages

Reaching out after a long time doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, a simple and friendly message is all it takes to restart a conversation. Here are some casual ways to say hello without overthinking it.

“Hey [Name], it’s been forever! How have you been?”
“Long time no talk! Hope everything’s been going well with you.”
“Wow, I just realized how long it’s been! How’s life treating you?”
“Hey stranger! Just thought of you and wanted to check in.”
“It’s been way too long! Let’s catch up soon.”
“Hey [Name], I was just reminiscing about [shared memory] and thought I’d say hi!”
“I know we haven’t talked in a while, but I hope you’re doing great!”
“Just popping in to say I miss our conversations—how’s everything going?”
“Hey! I saw [something that reminded me of them] and had to reach out.”
“It’s been ages, and that’s totally my fault. Hope you’re doing well!”
“Hope this message finds you smiling! How’s life these days?”
“I can’t believe how long it’s been! We need to catch up soon.”
“Hey, I was just telling someone about [inside joke] and thought of you!”
“Random thought: We haven’t talked in ages. Time to change that?”
“I just came across an old photo of us—made me realize how much I miss chatting!”

Acknowledging the Time Gap

If you feel like addressing the time that’s passed, you can do so without making it awkward. These messages naturally acknowledge the gap while keeping the conversation light and inviting.

“I know it’s been forever since we last talked, but I’d love to catch up!”
“Wow, time flies! I just realized we haven’t talked in forever.”
“It’s been way too long! Let’s fix that—how have you been?”
“I can’t believe how long it’s been! How’s life treating you these days?”
“I know we haven’t talked in a while, but I was thinking about you and wanted to say hi!”
“We kind of lost touch, but I’d love to change that!”
“It’s crazy how fast time goes! What’s new with you?”
“I was just thinking about how long it’s been and wanted to check in.”
“I know life gets busy, but I’d love to catch up!”
“Time really got away from us! Let’s chat soon.”
“It feels like just yesterday we were [shared memory]—can’t believe how long it’s been!”
“We haven’t talked in so long! Let’s not let another year go by.”
“I know we’ve both been busy, but I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to.”
“No idea where the time went, but I’d love to reconnect!”
“It’s been a minute (or a few years)! Hope all is well with you.”

Catching Up Without Sounding Forced

Jumping straight into conversation can sometimes feel unnatural. Instead of just asking, ‘How are you?’ try these engaging questions that encourage a meaningful and effortless catch-up.

“So, tell me—what’s been the best thing that’s happened to you lately?”
“What’s new in your world? Any exciting updates?”
“If you had to sum up the last year in one word, what would it be?”
“What’s something awesome that’s happened to you since we last talked?”
“Any big life changes since we last caught up?”
“How’s work/life been treating you?”
“Any fun adventures or milestones I’ve missed?”
“What’s a new hobby or interest you’ve picked up lately?”
“What’s one thing that’s brought you a lot of joy recently?”
“Have you traveled anywhere exciting lately?”
“What’s been your latest obsession—TV shows, books, hobbies?”
“How’s your family doing? Everyone good on your end?”
“What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done in the past year?”
“If we were to pick up where we left off, what’s the first thing you’d want to tell me?”
“Tell me something I wouldn’t guess about your life right now!”

Rekindling a Friendship or Relationship

If you’re looking to truly reconnect, a thoughtful message can go a long way. These texts remind them of the bond you once shared and open the door to rebuilding that connection.

“I really miss our conversations. Can we fix that?”
“We had such a great bond—I’d love to reconnect.”
“I was thinking about all the good times we had. Let’s catch up!”
“Some friendships just pick up where they left off—ready to test that theory?”
“You were always someone I valued, and I’d love to have you back in my life.”
“I miss having you around—let’s grab coffee soon!”
“I feel like we have so much to talk about. Want to chat soon?”
“I know life gets in the way, but I’d love to reconnect.”
“Looking back, I realize how much I appreciated our friendship.”
“We should totally revive our [inside joke/tradition]!”
“I’d love to hear what’s been going on in your life.”
“Life’s too short to let good friends drift apart—let’s change that!”
“It’s been too long! Want to meet up and catch up in person?”
“I’d love to know where life has taken you!”
“I just realized how much I miss our talks—let’s bring them back!”

What to Say If You Left on Awkward Terms

If things ended on a weird note, reaching out can feel even trickier. A message that acknowledges the past while focusing on the present can help ease any tension and pave the way for a fresh start.

“Hey, I know we haven’t talked in a while, but I’d love to reconnect.”
“I just wanted to say I’m sorry for how things ended.”
“If I could go back, I’d handle things differently. Hope we can talk.”
“I’ve been thinking about our last conversation, and I regret how it went.”
“Hey, I know things got weird between us, but I’d love to talk again.”
“No pressure, but if you’re open to catching up, I’d really like that.”
“I miss having you in my life, and I hope we can move past things.”
“I hate that we lost touch. Want to start fresh?”
“I just wanted to say I hope you’re doing well, no hard feelings.”
“Time has passed, but I still think of you fondly.”
“We had some great times—I’d love to reconnect.”
“Hope you know I’ve always appreciated you, even if we lost touch.”
“I don’t want the past to define our friendship. Let’s talk?”
“If you’re open to reconnecting, I’d love to catch up.”
“Regardless of what happened, I just want to say I value you.”

When to Follow Up or Let It Go

Not everyone will respond right away, and that’s okay. If you want to follow up without being pushy—or know when it’s best to let things be—these messages help you navigate the situation with grace.

“Hey, just checking in again—no pressure, but I’d love to catch up!”
“Not sure if you got my last message, but I’d love to reconnect!”
“I totally understand if life is busy, just wanted to say I’m here when you’re free!”
“No worries if you’re not up for chatting, just wanted to say I was thinking of you!”
“I won’t bug you, but I just wanted to send one last hello!”
“Hey, if now isn’t a good time, I completely understand. Hope all is well with you!”
“If you ever feel like catching up, just know I’d love to hear from you!”
“Not sure if this is the best time, but I’m always here when you want to chat.”
“No worries if you’re not up for reconnecting, just know I appreciate you!”
“It’s been a while, but I just wanted to check in one last time!”
“I understand if you don’t feel like talking, but I just wanted to say hi!”
“Hey, I won’t keep texting if you’re not up for it, but I just wanted to send good vibes your way.”
“I hope life is treating you well! No pressure to reply, just wanted to reach out.”
“I’ll take the hint if you don’t want to chat, but I’m always here if you change your mind.”
“No pressure at all, just wanted to drop in and say I hope you’re doing well!”