It's commendable that you recognize your past actions and want to address the situation with your old friends. Reconnecting with people after a period of drifting apart can be challenging, but it's worth trying to mend the relationship. Here are some steps you can take to approach the situation:
Reflect on your actions: Take some time to introspect and understand the impact of your past behavior on your friends. Recognize any mistakes you made and be genuinely willing to change.
Reach out with honesty: Send your old friends a heartfelt message or call them to express your desire to reconnect. Be honest about how you feel and acknowledge that you haven't been as close as you once were.
Apologize sincerely: If you were a jerk or if your past actions hurt them, offer a genuine apology. Acknowledge your mistakes, take responsibility for your behavior, and show that you have grown and changed since then.
Be understanding: Understand that your friends might need time to process your apology and decide whether they are open to reconnecting. Respect their feelings and boundaries, even if they need space initially.
Be patient: Rebuilding trust and rekindling old friendships can take time. Be patient and let the process unfold naturally. Don't expect an immediate response or resolution.
Show your efforts: If your friends are open to reconnecting, show them through your actions that you have changed. Be a supportive and caring friend, and avoid repeating past mistakes.
Be open to whatever outcome: Not everyone may be receptive to reconnecting, and that's okay. Be prepared for the possibility that some friendships may not be rekindled, and try to learn from the experience.
Learn from the past: Use this opportunity to grow as a person and learn from your past actions. Recognize how you can be a better friend in the future and work on improving yourself.
Remember that it's never too late to apologize and try to rebuild a friendship. The key is to approach the situation with sincerity, humility, and a willingness to change for the better. Whether the outcome is a rekindled friendship or not, taking responsibility for your actions and seeking to make amends is a positive step towards personal growth and maturity.