When we reconnect with someone after a while, finding the right words makes a big difference. A phrase like “long time no see” is casual, but in professional settings, you might want something warmer, more thoughtful, or more polished. Using the right alternatives shows care, professionalism, and genuine interest—making conversations more engaging and personal. Below are 30 other ways to say ‘long time no see professionally,’ complete with examples, tones, and explanations.
What Does “long time no see professionally” Mean?
The phrase “long time no see” is commonly used when reconnecting with someone after a long gap. When adapted to a professional setting, it means acknowledging the time apart in a polite and respectful way while showing interest in re-establishing the connection.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “long time no see professionally”?
Yes, it’s generally acceptable but slightly casual. In a workplace, networking event, or formal email, more polished alternatives are better. Phrases like “It’s been a while since we last connected” or “I’m glad we’re reconnecting” feel more professional and respectful.
Pros or Cons
Pros:
- Friendly and easy to understand.
- Shows recognition of the time gap.
- Breaks the ice naturally.
Cons:
- Can sound too casual or unpolished in formal settings.
- Lacks the professional warmth some contexts demand.
- May feel repetitive or outdated in business communication.
Synonyms For long time no see professionally
- It’s been a while since we last connected
- I’m glad we’re reconnecting
- It feels good to be back in touch
- I’ve been meaning to reach out
- It’s great to see you again
- I’ve missed our conversations
- I can’t believe it’s been this long
- It’s wonderful to reconnect
- It feels like ages since we last spoke
- I’m happy we’re talking again
- We’ve got some catching up to do
- It’s nice to reconnect after so long
- I’ve been looking forward to this
- It’s refreshing to be back in touch
- I was just thinking about you recently
- It’s nice to pick up where we left off
- I’m glad we crossed paths again
- It’s good to be speaking with you again
- I’m happy we’ve reconnected
- I didn’t realize how much time had passed
- It’s been too long since we last spoke
- I appreciate us catching up now
- I’ve missed working with you
- It’s good to hear from you again
- This feels like the perfect time to reconnect
- I value this chance to catch up
- It’s nice to circle back with you
- I’m grateful we’re speaking again
- I’ve wanted to reconnect for some time
- It’s a pleasure to be in touch again
1. It’s been a while since we last connected
Scenario: Use when reconnecting with a client after a long project gap.
Examples:
- “It’s been a while since we last connected. I’d love to hear how your new initiatives are going.”
- “It’s been a while since we last connected—great to catch up again!”
- “It’s been a while since we last connected. How have you been?”
Tone: Warm, professional.
Explanation: Polished and adaptable for email, meetings, or networking.
2. I’m glad we’re reconnecting
Scenario: Best for re-establishing contact after a long silence.
Examples:
- “I’m glad we’re reconnecting—it feels like the perfect time.”
- “I’m glad we’re reconnecting after so long. How are things with you?”
- “I’m glad we’re reconnecting—it’s always a pleasure.”
Tone: Positive, uplifting.
Explanation: Shows appreciation and eagerness to reconnect.
3. It feels good to be back in touch
Scenario: Ideal for catching up after years apart.
Examples:
- “It feels good to be back in touch after such a long gap.”
- “It feels good to be back in touch and see how much has changed.”
- “It feels good to be back in touch—I’ve missed our conversations.”
Tone: Friendly, caring.
Explanation: Communicates warmth while staying professional.
4. I’ve been meaning to reach out
Scenario: Great when you’ve wanted to reconnect but delayed.
Examples:
- “I’ve been meaning to reach out—it’s great we’re finally talking.”
- “I’ve been meaning to reach out for a while now.”
- “I’ve been meaning to reach out—thank you for making time.”
Tone: Genuine, thoughtful.
Explanation: Admits delay gracefully, without sounding neglectful.
5. It’s great to see you again
Scenario: Perfect for face-to-face meetings after a gap.
Examples:
- “It’s great to see you again after so long.”
- “It’s great to see you again—how have things been?”
- “It’s great to see you again. Let’s catch up properly.”
Tone: Warm, personal.
Explanation: Direct and positive; ideal for in-person conversations.
6. I’ve missed our conversations
Scenario: Useful when reconnecting with colleagues or mentors.
Examples:
- “I’ve missed our conversations—it’s nice to be speaking again.”
- “I’ve missed our conversations. How’s everything on your end?”
- “I’ve missed our conversations—your insights are always valuable.”
Tone: Appreciative, respectful.
Explanation: Adds sincerity while highlighting the relationship’s value.
7. I can’t believe it’s been this long
Scenario: For surprising or unexpected long gaps.
Examples:
- “I can’t believe it’s been this long since we spoke!”
- “I can’t believe it’s been this long—we should catch up more often.”
- “I can’t believe it’s been this long. Time really flies.”
Tone: Friendly, lighthearted.
Explanation: Shows astonishment in a positive, warm way.
8. It’s wonderful to reconnect
Scenario: For networking events or reunions.
Examples:
- “It’s wonderful to reconnect after so many years.”
- “It’s wonderful to reconnect—I’ve been looking forward to this.”
- “It’s wonderful to reconnect. How have you been doing?”
Tone: Grateful, warm.
Explanation: Expresses joy while keeping it polished.
9. It feels like ages since we last spoke
Scenario: Use casually in semi-professional relationships.
Examples:
- “It feels like ages since we last spoke.”
- “It feels like ages since we last spoke—what’s new?”
- “It feels like ages since we last spoke. Glad we’re talking again.”
Tone: Casual yet warm.
Explanation: Keeps it friendly without being overly informal.
10. I’m happy we’re talking again
Scenario: Suitable for re-engaging clients or old friends.
Examples:
- “I’m happy we’re talking again after all this time.”
- “I’m happy we’re talking again. It feels refreshing.”
- “I’m happy we’re talking again—there’s a lot to catch up on.”
Tone: Positive, approachable.
Explanation: Simple, warm, and professional.
11. We’ve got some catching up to do
Scenario: Great for friendly-professional relationships, such as coworkers or old clients.
Examples:
- “We’ve got some catching up to do—it’s been far too long.”
- “We’ve got some catching up to do. How have things been at your end?”
- “We’ve got some catching up to do. Let’s schedule some time soon.”
Tone: Friendly, professional.
Explanation: Balances warmth and professionalism while inviting deeper conversation.
12. It’s nice to reconnect after so long
Scenario: Polished phrase for emails and formal networking.
Examples:
- “It’s nice to reconnect after so long. I hope you’re doing well.”
- “It’s nice to reconnect after so long—we have a lot to share.”
- “It’s nice to reconnect after so long. I’m glad this opportunity came up.”
Tone: Respectful, professional.
Explanation: Formal but not stiff, suitable for colleagues or clients.
13. I’ve been looking forward to this
Scenario: Best when a meeting or reconnection was planned.
Examples:
- “I’ve been looking forward to this—it’s been too long.”
- “I’ve been looking forward to this catch-up for weeks.”
- “I’ve been looking forward to this conversation. How are you?”
Tone: Enthusiastic, positive.
Explanation: Expresses excitement and anticipation while sounding professional.
14. It’s refreshing to be back in touch
Scenario: Ideal for when reconnecting feels energizing.
Examples:
- “It’s refreshing to be back in touch after such a gap.”
- “It’s refreshing to be back in touch—it feels like old times.”
- “It’s refreshing to be back in touch and hear from you again.”
Tone: Optimistic, warm.
Explanation: Adds a light, uplifting feel to a professional conversation.
15. I was just thinking about you recently
Scenario: Good for starting conversations with authenticity.
Examples:
- “I was just thinking about you recently—so glad you reached out.”
- “I was just thinking about you recently. Perfect timing.”
- “I was just thinking about you recently. How are you doing?”
Tone: Thoughtful, genuine.
Explanation: Shows sincerity and interest in the other person’s life/work.
16. It’s nice to pick up where we left off
Scenario: Ideal for resuming a paused project or collaboration.
Examples:
- “It’s nice to pick up where we left off—it feels natural.”
- “It’s nice to pick up where we left off, just like old times.”
- “It’s nice to pick up where we left off—this feels timely.”
Tone: Professional, reassuring.
Explanation: Great for work-related reconnections that need continuity.
17. I’m glad we crossed paths again
Scenario: Perfect for chance meetings at events or conferences.
Examples:
- “I’m glad we crossed paths again—what a pleasant surprise.”
- “I’m glad we crossed paths again. How’s everything going?”
- “I’m glad we crossed paths again—it’s been years.”
Tone: Warm, spontaneous.
Explanation: Keeps the conversation light while expressing gratitude.
18. It’s good to be speaking with you again
Scenario: Works in formal calls, meetings, or emails.
Examples:
- “It’s good to be speaking with you again after so much time.”
- “It’s good to be speaking with you again—I’ve missed our discussions.”
- “It’s good to be speaking with you again. Let’s stay in touch.”
Tone: Professional, kind.
Explanation: Polished and flexible for both formal and semi-formal contexts.
19. I’m happy we’ve reconnected
Scenario: Use when restarting professional relationships.
Examples:
- “I’m happy we’ve reconnected after such a long break.”
- “I’m happy we’ve reconnected—this feels like the right time.”
- “I’m happy we’ve reconnected. Let’s make the most of this.”
Tone: Positive, hopeful.
Explanation: Highlights joy and potential for renewed collaboration.
20. I didn’t realize how much time had passed
Scenario: Best for surprising time gaps.
Examples:
- “I didn’t realize how much time had passed since we last talked.”
- “I didn’t realize how much time had passed—we really needed this.”
- “I didn’t realize how much time had passed. Time goes quickly.”
Tone: Reflective, friendly.
Explanation: Shows awareness without sounding apologetic.
21. It’s been too long since we last spoke
Scenario: Works in both emails and conversations.
Examples:
- “It’s been too long since we last spoke—I’ve missed our talks.”
- “It’s been too long since we last spoke. How are things with you?”
- “It’s been too long since we last spoke. Glad to be catching up now.”
Tone: Familiar yet professional.
Explanation: Simple and universal, works across formal and informal settings.
22. I appreciate us catching up now
Scenario: Acknowledges the importance of the moment.
Examples:
- “I appreciate us catching up now—it means a lot.”
- “I appreciate us catching up now. Thank you for your time.”
- “I appreciate us catching up now after such a long gap.”
Tone: Respectful, appreciative.
Explanation: Ideal for formal situations where gratitude is key.
23. I’ve missed working with you
Scenario: For ex-colleagues, clients, or collaborators.
Examples:
- “I’ve missed working with you—it feels great to reconnect.”
- “I’ve missed working with you. Let’s make this collaboration special.”
- “I’ve missed working with you. It’s nice to be in touch again.”
Tone: Professional, warm.
Explanation: Adds sincerity while focusing on shared professional value.
24. It’s good to hear from you again
Scenario: Great for emails or messages after a silence.
Examples:
- “It’s good to hear from you again—it made my day.”
- “It’s good to hear from you again after all this time.”
- “It’s good to hear from you again. Thank you for reaching out.”
Tone: Friendly, polite.
Explanation: Simple and effective—suitable for digital communication.
25. This feels like the perfect time to reconnect
Scenario: Use when timing works well for both parties.
Examples:
- “This feels like the perfect time to reconnect.”
- “This feels like the perfect time to reconnect. I’m glad it worked out.”
- “This feels like the perfect time to reconnect and move forward.”
Tone: Optimistic, professional.
Explanation: Adds positivity and momentum to a conversation.
26. I value this chance to catch up
Scenario: For professional respect and appreciation.
Examples:
- “I value this chance to catch up—it’s been too long.”
- “I value this chance to catch up. Thank you for making time.”
- “I value this chance to catch up and discuss updates.”
Tone: Respectful, formal.
Explanation: Acknowledges the other person’s time and importance.
27. It’s nice to circle back with you
Scenario: Perfect for work projects and professional follow-ups.
Examples:
- “It’s nice to circle back with you after all this time.”
- “It’s nice to circle back with you and revisit these ideas.”
- “It’s nice to circle back with you. Let’s keep the momentum going.”
Tone: Professional, direct.
Explanation: Commonly used in business—polished and efficient.
28. I’m grateful we’re speaking again
Scenario: For sincere, heartfelt professional relationships.
Examples:
- “I’m grateful we’re speaking again—it means a lot to me.”
- “I’m grateful we’re speaking again. Thank you for making time.”
- “I’m grateful we’re speaking again after such a long pause.”
Tone: Appreciative, heartfelt.
Explanation: Expresses humility and respect, ideal for mentors or seniors.
29. I’ve wanted to reconnect for some time
Scenario: Use when you’ve been meaning to restart contact.
Examples:
- “I’ve wanted to reconnect for some time—I’m glad we finally did.”
- “I’ve wanted to reconnect for some time. This feels right.”
- “I’ve wanted to reconnect for some time. Thank you for responding.”
Tone: Honest, thoughtful.
Explanation: Acknowledges intent while expressing appreciation.
30. It’s a pleasure to be in touch again
Scenario: Works in formal and semi-formal conversations.
Examples:
- “It’s a pleasure to be in touch again after so long.”
- “It’s a pleasure to be in touch again. How have things been?”
- “It’s a pleasure to be in touch again—I’ve missed our exchanges.”
Tone: Polished, professional.
Explanation: Elegant closing phrase that fits any professional context.
Conclusion
Reconnecting is not just about words—it’s about expressing genuine care, respect, and appreciation. Instead of relying on the casual “long time no see,” these 30 thoughtful alternatives allow you to adapt your tone, show warmth, and leave a lasting impression—whether you’re writing an email, greeting a colleague, or catching up with an old friend.

Emma Brooke is a passionate advocate for effective communication and language mastery. As a dedicated professional in the field of grammar and writing, Emma brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to those seeking to improve their linguistic skills. With a focus on clarity, precision, and style, Emma Brooke is committed to helping individuals refine their language use to communicate confidently and effectively.