Lost Touch? Here’s How to Revive a Dead Friendship
Friendships are like plants that may wither if not taken care of. They need time, love, and care to grow into a beautiful bond. But some friendships do wither, so how to revive a dead friendship? Because life gets busy, nature changes, circumstances change, and it is very easy for people to drift away. But the best part of this beautiful bond is you can revive it. It needs just a little effort and perseverance to do it!
Golden Tips on How to Revive a Dead Friendship
If you’re all in to revive your dead friendship, then here’s a simple guide to reconnect with the old lost bonds.
1. Try to understand what went wrong
Before taking concrete steps to revive the friendship, try to understand why the friendship faded in the first step. Was there an unresolved argument, ego clash, or different perspective toward life? Understanding the root cause of the problem will help you find the solution easily. Most importantly, you have to be clear about your role in this fallout. If you were the problem, own it, and apologize if you truly want the friendship back.
2. Take a break from “ego”
And ego is good sometimes and bad too. But when it comes to mending relationships, it’s better that ego takes a backseat. Obviously, keeping ego aside shouldn’t be one-sided. Both friends should maintain this stance. If you want to truly revive this friendship, break the shackles and expose your vulnerability. Remember, your friend wants to vent, too, so be ready to hear them out. Withdrawing your ego will eventually force them to withdraw theirs, thus fostering good communication.
3. Make the first move by starting the communication
Now that you have decided to revive this friendship, start by initiating communication. Don’t wait for your friend to strike up a conversation. Break the ice by either messaging them or sharing a funny meme. Let them know that you still care for them and miss them. While doing all this, be mindful not to judge them or criticize them because that might just cut off the bridge of communication.
4. Put an end to the blame game
Are you still stuck in the limbo – who is at fault? Don’t get stuck in the past. In fact, move on and end this loop of blame game. A blame game is no good in reviving a dead friendship. Instead, it will take you back to the bitter moments. Understand that no one’s perfect – not even you. Take this opportunity and rise above the hurdles.
5. Apologize if necessary
Now that you have decided to take this friendship forward, starting fresh is better. If you think you were wrong in any way, don’t feel shy to apologize. Explain to them what went wrong and say you’re sorry about it. Furthermore, promise them that you won’t hurt them ever.
6. Give them time to think and respond
It’s obvious that the “waiting time” is the most painful. Waiting for a response may make you impatient, but this is the time to pull yourself up. Give time for your friend to make up their mind. Don’t expect that things are going to turn around overnight. Trust, once shaken, takes time to rebuild. So, by giving them space, show that you care for them. These actions are a step toward positivity.
7. Consistently start investing time
Research states that it takes more than 200 hours to become a close friend. Yes, making unbreakable bonds needs time and effort. So, you have to give that to another person if you want to revive this relationship. Call them and ask their whereabouts. Behave as if you are starting everything all over and fresh. Narrate stories about you and tell them about your life. Ask them if they are okay and talk about your interests in life. This is the best and crucial step to reconnect.
8. Start accepting them
Over time, dynamics change, and people’s behaviors change. Accept these changes with an open mind. They might not be the same person you met before the fallout, and that’s completely okay. Accepting each other’s strengths and weaknesses can help you both grow and deepen your bond. It’s best to create new memories instead of scraping the past.
9. Create a pleasant, positive atmosphere
How to revive a dead friendship? Well, by adding more positivity than before. That doesn’t mean you start speaking positively. It means adding positivity to your friend’s life by complimenting them, making them laugh, and making them feel loved and supported. Show a little interest in their life. The goal is that they should feel better for having you back in their life.
10. Stay in touch with them so you don’t drift away again
Instead of making some futuristic plans, it’s best to make plans now in the present. Impromptu plans would do wonders, which is the best way to surprise them. Make a list of things you both like. Schedule your activities in a way that both can enjoy to the fullest and make sweet memories.
11. Celebrate their life
Keeping in touch and tracking their achievements shows that you care for them. Remember their birthdays and important events. Wish them on their important days and check on them to see how they are doing. Find ways to cheer them up and make them happy.
12. Promise to improve your bond
If you think you are failing to maintain the bond, talk to them. Find ways to improve this bond. Ask them how you both can improve this bond. Your aim should be to create a collaborative and supportive environment where both can value and share their feelings. Promise each other that if at all you hurt each other, face it head-on by having clear communication. Don’t hold back feelings. Promise each other to cherish this friendship.
13. Accept if the friend doesn’t want to take this friendship further
After all this, if your friend isn’t ready to move forward with this friendship, accept their decision. They might not give this friendship a second chance now, but they may in the future or might NEVER. Understand that friendship is a two-way street, and friends who put equal effort into it can make this bond grow. If anyone falls out, it’s no good. So, it’s best to let them go. There’s no point in having a forced and one-sided friendship. It’s better to move on!
On A Parting Note
If you ever wonder how to revive a dead friendship, this guide will help you thoroughly. Reviving a dead friendship is a hurricane task, but if you do, it’s rewarding. However, patience, giving time, not losing hope, and spreading positivity are important in bringing the friendship back. After all, the best friendships aren’t the ones that never faced storms; they’re the ones that survived them.
