How to Catch Up With Friends After Being Away

Learn simple ways to reconnect with your friends and share your experiences after you have been away for a while. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Start with a simple hello. When you see your friend, keep it casual. A simple 'Hey, it's so good to see you!' is the perfect way to break the ice and let them know you're happy to be back.
2. Ask them how they are first. Before you dive into your stories, show interest in what they have been doing. Ask, 'What have you been up to while I was gone?' This makes the conversation a two-way street.
3. Pick one or two highlights. You don't need to tell a long, hour-long story. Choose one funny thing that happened or one cool place you visited. If they have more questions, they will ask!
4. Listen to their reactions. Pay attention to how your friend responds. If they seem excited, feel free to share more. If they seem distracted, it might be a good time to ask them another question or move on to a different topic.