Deciding whether or not to follow an old childhood friend on Instagram can be a personal choice, and there's no right or wrong answer. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
How you feel about reconnecting: Reflect on your feelings about reconnecting with your old friend. Are you genuinely interested in reconnecting and staying in touch, or are you just curious about their life? Consider your intentions behind following them on Instagram.
Current status of your friendship: Since you lost contact about five years ago, think about whether you would like to rebuild the friendship or simply observe their life from a distance. If you are unsure about rekindling the friendship, following them on Instagram can be a low-pressure way to see what they have been up to without committing to direct communication.
Respect their privacy: If their Instagram account is public and open to followers, it is less likely to be seen as intrusive if you follow them. However, if their account is private, consider sending them a friendly message before sending a follow request, acknowledging the past friendship and expressing your interest in reconnecting.
Prepare for possible awkwardness: Reconnecting with someone after a long gap can sometimes lead to initial awkwardness, but that's natural. People change over time, and your friend's life may have taken different paths. Embrace the possibility of a new dynamic and be open to it.
Take it slow: If you're unsure about reaching out or following them, you can take it slow. Observe their posts for a while and see if you feel more comfortable before engaging with them directly.
Assess your feelings afterward: Consider how you feel after following them on Instagram. If it brings back positive memories and you enjoy seeing updates from their life, it may be a good choice. On the other hand, if it stirs up negative emotions or becomes a source of stress, it's okay to unfollow or step back.
Remember that social media connections can be less intimate than direct, personal interactions. Following someone on Instagram doesn't necessarily mean you have to engage in deep conversations or become best friends again. It can simply be a way to stay informed about their life and be part of their online community.
Ultimately, trust your instincts and do what feels right for you. If you decide to follow them, do so with a friendly and positive attitude, and if you choose not to, that's perfectly okay too. It's important to respect your own boundaries and feelings in these situations.