Am I weird for wanting to contact friends I haven’t contacted in 30 years?

Annie Lane is on vacation. The column below first ran in 2021.

Dear Annie: Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about old roommates, friends and colleagues. I’m talking about people from over 30 years ago, who I haven’t talked to in decades. I think I would like to tell them how they have impacted my life in a positive way. Should I contact them or would that just be selfish and weird? I mean, if I were to reach out, I’m not sure what the follow-up would be: “Nice to catch up with you, see you forever”?

Tell me, Annie. Is this kind of feeling normal as we get older, and should I act on it or just forget about it? — Too much time to think

Dear Too Much: It’s not just common to make more memories as we get older; it can be extremely helpful, provided it is positive/productive in nature, which is your case.

A 2016 study of 47 people in senior care facilities found that after sharing memories, family history and personal achievements, participants experienced fewer feelings of loneliness and depression. So keep making those laps around Memory Lane.

And to the question of whether or not you should contact these old friends and acquaintances, my answer is a resounding yes! Too often, we only reveal how much they meant to us after people are gone. Send them a message today. Let them know that you have been thinking about them lately and that you are happy for the time you knew them.

Chances are you will make their day.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].

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