Is it normal to try to track down old friends?

I had a friend in Elementary and Middle School who just sorta disappeared one day. Apparently something happened with his mom, and he went to California with his dad. I've checked for him on Facebook a few times over the years but never found him. Recently, when I searched his last name, someone came up with a couple mutual friends. Looking into it, I'm pretty sure it's his sister. I messaged her asking if she was related to him, and that I'd like to get in contact with him if she is. Is that weird or stalkerish? I realized after I messaged them that it might be odd to have someone contact you out of the blue just looking to reconnect with someone in your family.

Yes, that's weird. 1
It's normal, you should keep looking for him. 18
It's normal, but you should let it go. 7
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 7 )
  • xxLucifer

    It's pretty normal actually. If you want to find that person and try to reconnect with them you should.

    Also I've been in the position where I was contacted by someone on Facebook looking to reconnect with a friend a few months ago. I didn't really think it was weird.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • TerriAngel

    I dont know if its " normal "
    Or not?
    But Ive done it.
    Some folks would call it OCD.
    I was raised to not believe in labels and excusses.
    good luck in your search.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Mehereok1

    Fairly normal, and I think we all do it. Unless that person is really not findable or chooses to be that way, everyone can be found online, for free or fee. I've thought about people I knew, former coworkers, even a few kids I worked with when I was a social services worker many years ago (yes, all are adults now, and not very far from my own age..these were my first 2 jobs out of college and some of them were in their mid-teens..maybe a 6-7 year age difference).

    One of my former, close friends is of the not findable by his choice type. Even one of my other friends of our group asked "Have you heard from Fred? I haven't in about 15 years". I gave up on him after asking his sister, twice, to have him call or text me, joking "Tell your brother I'm still alive", and never hearing a thing.

    In general, though, I think most people like hearing from someone they haven't heard from in a long time. It's fun.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • A-sharp

    Why do people even post questions like this. This is depressing to me...….. Really ?

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • leggs91200

    It is nice to get in touch with old friends IF you and the other party left on good terms, which he did.

    If you have not spoke with these people in quite some time, you have nothing to lose by trying to contact. Even if they think it is creepy or whatever and don't respond, you are in no worse shape than what you are now.

    The problem if you did this through facebook is unless someone is on your friend list, the message(s) get diverted to "other" folder where most people never even look.
    FB does that cause otherwise advertisers would clog everyone's inbox with bullcrap, just like they do email.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • SwickDinging

    Depending on how the message was worded I might find that weird. However I'm pretty antisocial and in the past there have been situations where I've thought someone was crossing a line and being too invasive, and other people have told me I'm overreacting.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Bassmachine

    It's normal but don't get hurt if people don't remember you or don't message you back.

    People change. :(

    Comment Hidden ( show )