Summarize:

Don’t wait for your friend to reach out.  If you want to reconnect, make yourself available, either by reaching out or by inviting your friend to meet with you.  A phone call or an email are quick, easy, and respectful ways to convey your interest to speak or spend time together. However, you should consider your options regarding how to reach out. Depending on the degree to which you’ve grown apart, there are different recommended routes to take. The depth of your previous friendship, and the context in which you drifted apart are important factors when considering how you should approach an old friend.  If you simply haven’t seen or spoken with someone in a while, reach out casually.  A message on an online media platform that you both use may work.  An email is better because it is a more reliable and secure method of communication.  People also tend to check their email more frequently. Consider sending a letter. If you had gone through a conflict with your friend, be wary of rekindling old animosities.  Take care not to make them feel as though they are under pressure to respond. Don’t just call someone you had a falling out with; this may make them feel uncomfortable or may even upset them. A note or card gives them time to think and contemplate a response. Do more than just text. While texting is great way to convey information of send a quick hello, it is not a productive method to rekindle a relationship.  If you feel your relationship is casual and comfortable enough to contact a friend via text but you haven’t spoken in a while, give them a call.  The more personal approach will indicate your interest to truly reconnect. Don’t feel as though your friendship has ended or become less important. Friendships often change when people get married, move, or have kids.  If you’re missing an old friend, there’s a good chance your friend misses you as well.  It is always appropriate to try to reconnect.  Recognize the importance of circumstances.  If you had drifted apart because your friend went through a major life change, and you recently went through a similar life change, you may soon find you have even more in common now than ever before!  Don’t wait any longer! The more time you spend missing your friend without acting on it, the further you may drift apart.  Know that it’s okay if you haven’t spoken with someone in a while.  You may actually make their day by letting them know you’ve been thinking about them and would like to reconnect. If your friend doesn’t respond, or does so hesitantly, you can try to convey your hopes to reconnect again.  Don’t rush though.  Allow time in between contact.  If they simply don’t respond, accept the fact that they may not be ready or willing to reconnect for the foreseeable future.
Take the first step. Reach out in the right way. Don’t worry about how long it’s been. Be persistent, but not over-eager.