When you haven’t seen someone in a long time, they might say “long time no see”. This comes from a fictional American Indian, but today, it’s become a common part of our language. Next time someone says “long time no see” to you, here are 30 ways for you to respond.
1. *Nod And Smile*
There are times when the best thing to say is nothing at all. Instead of thinking up something clever or witty, a nod and a smile can say everything you want. This shows you are happy to see them again, but without being over the top.
2. I Know Where Does The Time Go?
One thing you learn as you get older is that time flies by super quick. It feels like one day, you’re a kid without a care in the world. And then, in the blink of an eye, you’re suddenly a grown-up, with kids, and a job.
Time can fly by so fast, we can go years without seeing someone. But still, recognize them when we see them.
3. It Sure Has
There is no point in trying to argue with them. Or add to what they have just said. It has been a long time since the two of you last saw each other. You might not know why there has been such a large gap. But all you know is that it was a while ago that the two of you last saw each other.
You may also like: 8 Better Ways To Say “Long Time No See”
4. Four Months, Three Weeks, Six Days, And Twenty-three Hours
It doesn’t matter if this is true. And of course, feel free to change any of these numbers to make it more accurate.
But, the underlying point of this reply is the same.
No matter how long it’s been, you have been keeping track of how long it’s been since you two last saw each other.
5. Well You Missed Me A Couple Of Times When I Saw You First
Maybe it’s been a while since the two of you spoke. But, what if you’ve seen them around. Maybe you walk past them often. Or perhaps you see them on the TV.
Either way, even when they don’t see you, you still see them. This means that you’ve been keeping on top of various aspects of their life.
6. Too Long If You Ask Me
You don’t know why it’s been this long since you last saw each other. All you know is that it shouldn’t have been this long. There was a time when you would talk all the time. But, in the future, you will make sure that you speak to them more often than you do right now.
7. I’ve Been Under A Rock For A While
Maybe the reason you two haven’t spoken in a while is more your fault than theirs. Nobody will be mad at you if you’ve spent a bit of time as a recluse. The reason why you haven’t seen them in a while is that you haven’t seen anyone in a while.
8. When Was It We Last Saw Each Other
It’s been so long since you last saw this person that you don’t remember when that time was. Sometimes, life can just become a blur, and the days, weeks, or years merge into each other. Maybe it’s been a couple of months, or maybe it’s been ten years.
9. Doesn’t Time Just Fly By?
Life can go by really fast. It can feel like a day between you starting a new university and you graduating with a PhD. You don’t always realize when one day blends into the next, and you become unable to keep on top of everything.
10. Life Is Too Short For Us To Spend That Long Apart
We only get one life on Earth. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. And it only lasts for a limited amount of time. During your time alive, you should spend it with the people you like. This person might be the kind of person that you want to spend some more time with.
11. How Have You Been?
Okay, so it’s been a while since you last saw each other. But, that does not mean you can’t get along when you do meet again. Ask them questions about their life, learn what adventures they’ve gotten up to since the last time you spoke.
12. Yes It Has. I’ve Been Up To My Eyes In Work.
The main reason we don’t talk to people as often as we’d like is that we have jobs. And many of us have families on top of that.
Let them know they have done nothing wrong, and the only reason you’ve spent so long apart is that you’ve had to occupy your time with work.
13. Not Long Enough
Maybe this person is a bit annoying. Or maybe, they just know how to take a joke. It’s been a long time since you last saw each other, but you wouldn’t have minded if you’d spent even more time apart. Maybe just a day extra would have been ideal.
14. Yes It Has, Great To See You Again
This one is short, sweet, and right to the point. There is nothing over the top, or overly emotional. You are just agreeing with them, and making it clear that you’re happy to see them again. They don’t need to hear your excuses.
15. I Followed Marie Kondo’s Advice And Got Rid Of Everything That Didn’t Bring Joy
Marie Kondo is a cleaning expert who tells people to get rid of things that don’t bring them joy. Sometimes, it’s not just objects we need to get rid of, but people too. If someone is a burden, there is nothing wrong with cutting them from your life.
16. Have You Been Avoiding Me?
This one may be a joke- in fact, it’s probably a joke. When you live in the same town as someone, for the two of you to never meet is awfully bizarre. So either both of you are so busy that you never have time to go to the kinds of places where you’ll see each other, or they have been avoiding you.
17. I’ve Been Avoiding You
But, if you want to put the joke the other way round, maybe make it seem like you have been the one who’s avoiding them. This is even funnier if you have moved to a different town since you last spoke.
18. I Thought You Had Died
When someone dies, they are not able to speak to us. If someone has gone for a long time without speaking to you, that could be a sign that they’re dead. Of course, they’re probably not, but making this kind of morbid joke can be funny when said to the right person.
19. I Was Thinking About You
Just because you don’t see someone, that doesn’t mean you don’t think about them. It’s natural for people to randomly think about people who they haven’t seen in a while. You might wonder what they’re up to, how they are, or what they’ve done since you last saw each other.
20. It’s Been So Long I’ve Forgotten Your Name
Some people are just not that good at remembering the names of other people. This is not to say that you don’t like the people whose names you forget, but you just have a bad memory. When you admit it, you’re admitting your flaws which can make you more likable.
21. We Need To Catch Up
It’s been a while since the two of you last saw each other. And you know that they must have been up to all sorts of amazing adventures since then. Why not organize a time for both of you to catch up, so you can understand what the other’s life is like.
22. Actually My Eyesight Is Fine.
Why are they saying “long time no see” when it hasn’t been a long time since you last saw? In fact, you’re seeing right now.
And anyway, how would they possibly know about your eyesight problems?
The other person should know that you’re only joking.
23. Sorry To Hear About Your Eyesight Problem
Maybe you would rather look at that joke from the opposite angle. They are implying that there is something wrong with their eyesight. Seems like a strange conversation starter. But, there is nothing wrong with sharing your medical issues with old friends.
24. I Was Starting To Question If You Really Existed
When memories become very distant, we can start to question if they even happened in the first place. Maybe you never knew this person, and your memories of them were created in your own mind.
25. How’s Life?
Since you want to know about them, why not ask what is possibly the most basic and simple question.
26. How’s The Family?
The last time you spoke, you were rather fond of their family. So, it makes sense that you would want to know that these people are doing well.
27. I Have Missed You
If you’ve missed them, just get right to the point and let them know.
28. Long Time No Hear
You might not have seen them in a while, but that’s never stopped them from texting you.
29. But I Never Stopped Thinking About You
This one only works if you’re talking to a previous romantic interest.
30. It’s Been 1000 Years If It’s Been A Day
Each day has felt like a millennium. Your time apart seems even longer than it’s actually been.
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
