Have you run into anyone lately who you haven’t seen for a long time?
Do you feel uncomfortable and unsure about what you are supposed to say?
What can you say in these situations in English?
It’s a situation that we’ve all been in, and you want to know what is appropriate to say.
We’re going to help you to ease that uncomfortable feeling and let you know what you can say to help you through.
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Knowing What To Say Helps A Lot
If you see someone after a long time it’s very important to have the phrases which will show them that you care about this moment and that you are excited.
If you just say “oh hi” it doesn’t show that it matters to you, so this is a very important skill.
You want to have the right thing to say, and you also want to be sure that you show some excitement in your voice as well.
If you deliver the right message in the right way, it will help to make the person feel important.
This also helps to ease that uncomfortable feeling and ensure that you can get back on track.
A Few Helpful Suggestions
When in doubt, you can use one of the following phrases.
These are perfect in such a situation and they can help you to get the conversation going too.
- It’s been a while: This may be a bit more casual, but it works quite well. It can work to get the conversation started and help you two to pick up where you left off. This works quite well with a close friendship where time doesn’t change that.
- “Hi there, how are you? It’s been awhile!”
- It’s been a minute: This is younger and cooler sounding than the rest. It’s kind of slang and may be more of a reach for an older person to use. This is newer and therefore may take some getting used to if you try using it in conversation.
- “Oh hey there, it’s been a minute, huh?!”
- Oh it’s so great to see you in the flesh! This is unique but it shows some definite personality. It can work well if you have maybe chatted over text or email, but not seen each other in person for awhile. It’s sort of slang, but it can work well to make a great connection.
- “Oh wow, it’s just so great to see you in the flesh! Video chat just isn’t the same!”
- Long time no see: This is one of the most common and it works really well in getting the conversation to start up. It’s a great way to ease any tension and to get back on track. It puts the other person at ease and it ensures that you can get back to chatting.
- “Michelle, long time no see!”
- I can’t believe we haven’t seen each other in so long! This is direct and yet comforting. It puts you at ease, puts the other person at ease. It tells it like it is and perhaps that’s why it’s the easiest one to use to get the conversation going.
- “Wow it’s just so great to be here with you! I can’t believe we haven’t seen each other in so long!”
All of these phrases work well if you find yourself in this very common situation.
It’s More Than Just The Words
It’s about what you say, but also how you say it.
Your enthusiasm and tone should match the phrase that you are saying.
The phrase will lose its touch if you sound too casual for the emotion you want to portray.
Be sure that you don’t just say “oh hi” or something like that because it will break the connection.
You want to be sure that you make the other person feel comfortable in what you say and how you say it.
Takeaway
This is a huge point for connection and these phrases will help you deepen your relationships.
If you use one of these phrases and deliver it in the right way, it can help to keep the conversation going.
You don’t have to feel uncomfortable and neither do they if you use one of these phrases.
You just might rekindle an old friendship or make a great new connection.
It’s about saying the right thing in that moment, but also ensuring that you say it in the best way possible.
If you have any questions, please leave them below in the comments section.
We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.