TIN #141 - Reconnect with Old Friends Using THIS Simple Hack
The Science-Backed Way to Rekindle Connections
Reaching out to your dormant ties, those old friends or colleagues you’ve lost touch with, can feel daunting.
You know it’s beneficial to rekindle these connections, but something always holds you back.
You’re not alone.
Many people struggle with this, even when they understand the value of maintaining social ties.
Fortunately, there’s a simple, research-backed strategy to overcome this hesitation and rebuild your network.
This issue takes about 5 minutes to read…
Before We Get Started:
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The Power of Dormant Ties
Our social connections play a vital role in our overall well-being.
And, in the age of technology, many of us have inadvertently replaced genuine connections with social media updates.
We assume we “know” what’s happening in someone’s life because we’ve seen their posts.
The truth is, we’ve stopped having real conversations.
Rekindling dormant ties, those old friendships or professional connections, can do wonders for both your personal and professional life.
These relationships not only reignite a sense of belonging but also open doors to new opportunities through mutual introductions.
But how do you get started?
Why We Hesitate (and Why We Shouldn’t)
A new study found that even when people wanted to reconnect with an old friend—and thought the friend would be happy to hear from them—less than 1 in 3 actually reached out.
Why?
Because old friends start to feel like strangers
Because we wait for the “right” moment
Because it feels awkward
We worry we’ll be met with questions like, “Why are you reaching out after all these years?”
I challenge that question. Here’s how I think about it:
If you received a message from an old friend or colleague saying, “Hey, I was just thinking about you. How are you doing,” would you feel annoyed?
For me, it’s a “No.”
Most people are thrilled to hear from someone they’ve lost touch with.
They may even be relieved, knowing they’ve also been meaning to reach out.
Recognizing this can help you shift your perspective and take the first step.
A Simple, Science-Backed Strategy to Reconnect
If you’re feeling stuck, science has a solution.
The study I referred to above reveals a proven tactic to make reaching out easier:
Start by “warming up.”
Here’s how it works:
Begin by sending a quick message to someone you talk to regularly—like a close friend or family member. This step is low-pressure and helps you build momentum.
Once you’ve sent that warm-up message, you’ll feel more confident and ready to reach out to a dormant connection.
This small act boosts your likelihood of following through by 66%.
It’s like stretching before a workout—once you’ve warmed up, you’re ready to tackle the harder stuff.
How to Identify Your Dormant Ties
Not sure where to begin?
Start by making a list of people you’d like to reconnect with.
Here are some ways to jog your memory:
Review your LinkedIn connections and professional history to identify former colleagues.
Think about past social groups, volunteer organizations, or community events you were part of.
Scroll through old emails or messages to remind yourself of people you’ve lost touch with.
Keep this list handy and choose one person to reach out to each day.
Do you’re warm up message, like I showed you above.
Then, send one message to one dormant tie.
A simple message like, “Hey, I was just thinking about you and wanted to see how you’re doing,” can go a long way.
It’s quick, easy, and might just make someone’s day.
The Ripple Effect of Reconnecting
Once you’ve reestablished contact with dormant ties, you’ll find that your network naturally begins to grow.
These connections can introduce you to new people, help you discover opportunities, and enrich your personal and professional life.
Remember, most of the people in your life now were either introduced by someone you knew or met through shared experiences.
Reconnecting with old ties is the first step toward expanding your circle.
Take Action Today
Don’t let fear or hesitation hold you back from reaching out.
Use the warm-up strategy to build your confidence and reconnect with those dormant ties.
Start small.
Send one message today.
Imagine the possibilities that could stem from rekindling an old friendship or professional connection.
You might be surprised by how impactful one simple note can be.
So, who will you reach out to first?
Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going.