A person from my past popped into my head recently and the thought of reaching out hasn’t left it. I was wondering if it was a good idea to reach out. So I thought about the times in my life in which I’ve lost contact with people and then had them re-enter my life. Some have been incredible additions to my life. Others have rejected any connection with me whatsoever.
By the numbers:
F – knew each other for a few weeks, reconnected after 1-2 years because something reminded me of her. It ended very poorly.
C – knew each other for a year, reconnected after 5-6, knew dated briefly, knew each other for another year, reconnected after some 17 years. Now we have a book club.
K – knew each other for two years, dated for a month, about eight months later she said she rethought the relationship. Five years later, we chatted nicely for a bit, only for her to reveal she had lost respect for me.
S – knew each other for two years, dated for a few months, a few months later, they said they didn’t want to be my friend. Attempts at reconciliation failed at one week, month, and six months mark. Three years later, they also went poorly, though they initiated that contact.
D – knew each other for a few weeks, attempted to date. Ended poorly. She then dated a friend and we had a conversation. Also ended poorly.
M – were best friends in high school. I pulled away. Reconnected ten, then twenty years later. Fairly well received.
M – were close friends in high school. Reconnected a few times. Both mutually good at a distance.
Many other people were unwilling to respond to this survey. 🙂
In short, anybody that knew me before 20 wanted to reconnect and is happy to have me in their life somewhat. Anybody that knew me for longer than two years was willing to reconnect, often positively.
Sigh.
