Before we die, should we make an effort to catch up with old friends?

snapshot, I agree. Life's experiences can change people from what they were to what they become. I contacted a school-friend via Friends Reunited, and thought we could pick up more or less where we left off, but of course, that really didn't work out and we now only exchange Christmas cards. I've been trying to decide whether to attend a reunion at my old school. However, I've realised that the amount that the 'organisers' (whom I believe, have become very well-heeled!) aren't the same people I used to be friendly with while at school. I tended not to have 'well-heeled' friends! The cost of attending the reunion is £25.....rather a lot, I think, for a buffet lunch. Also, although I've asked who will be attending, so that I won't be standing there like 'Annie-no-mates', with none of my old school-friends to chat to, the list of attendees isn't forthcoming......so, I won't go, I don't think.

After a pal's 60th birthday party in 2010 I made the effort to stay in contact with several old friends last seen in the 1970s .. After one or two meet-ups I began to realize why we had all drifted apart over the intervening years .. we were not the same people we once were, and now had very little in common .. the majority of these 're-associations' were very short lived, and I don't think I'll be trying this particular enterprise again .. I wish you better fortune in your encounters with old friends.

Sometimes there is a very good reason why friends have not kept in touch and the relationship needs to be allowed to die with dignity. The true friend is the one who picks up where you left off however many years ago as if had been yesterday you last saw each other. This is why websites like Friends Reunited promise so much more than they can deliver.
However, I wish you good luck and hope that your friendship is rekindled!

I think you know when you have good friends even if you have only known them a short while ,its just an instinct that a person has regarding relationships.Friends that I knew at school over 50yrs ago ring every now and then and I know when I see them it is a case of "Hi how are you" and then on for a coffee and catch up always knowing that those friends will be there for you if you ever have a major problem or emergency.