The New Year is generally a time for reflection, where we think about our lives in years past and, inevitably, the people in them. Today, we are privileged in that reconnecting with those acquaintances, childhood classmates, or former colleagues after years is not only possible, but, thanks to living in the digital age, easy to do. While reaching out to old friends can lead to genuine, meaningful renewal, sometimes, a “blast from the past” can also provoke discomfort, confusion, or emotional fatigue instead. The difference between these two responses lies not only in the content of the message of reconnection, but in the emotional awareness behind it, as well.

In psychological terms, when we reach out to someone from the past, we are offering a “bid for reconnection.” A “bid” is any gesture that seeks to initiate contact, engagement, or closeness. It can be as simple as a message, a question, or a........

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