Meeting up with friend I haven't seen in years

[nopenottoday]

Just some advice really. Meeting up with a friend (used to be best friends) that I haven't seen in about 4.5 years. Both had other things on, got boyfriends and just drifted apart then she moved away but occasionally visits nearest city and we've agreed to meet up in that city. I'm very unsocial these days and I'm feeling really anxious about it as it's been so long, really don't want to be awkward. My life is very different now to the party girl I used to be back then. But I'd love to have the friendship back, we were very close and she was there at difficult times. Any one been in a similar position and got any helpful advice?

Only advice I have is not to worry. I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Maybe casually drop into one of the texts before the actual meeting something along the lines of how you can't get over how the past few years have been like a lifetime for changes in your lifestyle & you're looking forward to her seeing the new grown-up you type of thing. Keep it light though, you don't want her expecting a brainwashed drone from some obscure cult turning up with tracts.

I think where you are playing on meeting will have a big influence if you're just going to meet for a coffee keep it light and simple fine. If you plan on spending all day out shopping together that might become a bit more tiresome if your taste a very different form each other.
Going out for a meal might be ok as long as agree on the type of food and any dietary requirements.
I agree with PP about a text saying how much you both will of changed since last met will be nice to get to know the new person as well remember the old person you knew.
Have you got any old photographs of the two of you preferably with some more friends too so they will give you something to talk about is their become to me awkward silences

Could go one way or the other. I didn’t see one of my best mates for about 6 years as I moved away and when we saw each other again we didn’t stop talking for hours. We now only get the chance to meet up every few months but it’s exactly the same. In fact, I went to lunch recently with another woman I haven’t seen in probably 10 years and it was yap, yap, yap! As if it has been 10 minutes, not 10 years!

If its a true friendship you'll find a common ground again and it'll be like you've never been away.
If not then at least you know. Just go and have a laugh

Easier said than done I know - but I just wouldn’t overthink it. As a pp said go in without any expectations other than to enjoy your catch up.

@nopenottoday Have you meet up yet ? how did it go ?