the essence and the initial contact cannot be rushed. A letter is the preferred means of contact because making telephone calls and showing up in person could frighten that someone special and cause them to resist contact altogether. Have patience and allow the person a chance to get used to the idea of reuniting with you.

The first meeting should occur on neutral territory as opposed to someone's home. Get together at a public place, such as a park or restaura

You have been searching for the special someone for a while and finally got results. Now that long awaited moment of planning your first meeting has arrived. Remember, the initial contact is extremely important because it sets the tone for any further communication and reunion. Using consideration and timing are key elements to organizing a successful first meeting.

Prior to finding that long lost person, think about why you parted in the first place and where the person may be in their life now. For former mates, let go of any fantasies from the past and attempt to place yourself and this person in the present. If you parted as the result of a dispute, let go of anger and other such useless emotions before initiating contact. If you will be meeting a long lost family member for the first time, let go of sadness or guilt to ensure a positive first experience. In situations involving adoptions, the long lost person's family may not even know of your existence so time, understanding and patience is required on your behalf. Have no expectations for your new relationship and take it lightly. Appearing needy or anxious could scare off the person you want to reunite with.

The best way to make your initial contact is with a non-threatening letter that could not be misunderstood in any way. Let the person know who you are, how to contact you and that you would like to set up a meeting to reacquaint yourselves. Sending such a carefully crafted letter allows the person an opportunity to digest the fact that you found them and want to make contact. Remember, simply seeing your name on a letter could arouse a plethora of emotions for the person that they need to work out before they meet with you. A letter gives the person time to handle their personal feelings and communicate to the people in their life about a possible reunion with you. Time is of the essence and the initial contact cannot be rushed. A letter is the preferred means of contact because making telephone calls and showing up in person could frighten that someone special and cause them to resist contact altogether. Have patience and allow the person a chance to get used to the idea of reuniting with you.

The first meeting should occur on neutral territory as opposed to someone's home. Get together at a public place, such as a park or restaura

the person may be in their life now. For former mates, let go of any fantasies from the past and attempt to place yourself and this person in the present. If you parted as the result of a dispute, let go of anger and other such useless emotions before initiating contact. If you will be meeting a long lost family member for the first time, let go of sadness or guilt to ensure a positive first experience. In situations involving adoptions, the long lost person's family may not even know of your existence so time, understanding and patience is required on your behalf. Have no expectations for your new relationship and take it lightly. Appearing needy or anxious could scare off the person you want to reunite with.

The best way to make your initial contact is with a non-threatening letter that could not be misunderstood in any way. Let the person know who you are, how to contact you and that you would like to set up a meeting to reacquaint yourselves. Sending such a carefully crafted letter allows the person an opportunity to digest the fact that you found them and want to make contact. Remember, simply seeing your name on a letter could arouse a plethora of emotions for the person that they need to work out before they meet with you. A letter gives the person time to handle their personal feelings and communicate to the people in their life about a possible reunion with you. Time is of the essence and the initial contact cannot be rushed. A letter is the preferred means of contact because making telephone calls and showing up in person could frighten that someone special and cause them to resist contact altogether. Have patience and allow the person a chance to get used to the idea of reuniting with you.

The first meeting should occur on neutral territory as opposed to someone's home. Get together at a public place, such as a park or restaura

y may not even know of your existence so time, understanding and patience is required on your behalf. Have no expectations for your new relationship and take it lightly. Appearing needy or anxious could scare off the person you want to reunite with.

The best way to make your initial contact is with a non-threatening letter that could not be misunderstood in any way. Let the person know who you are, how to contact you and that you would like to set up a meeting to reacquaint yourselves. Sending such a carefully crafted letter allows the person an opportunity to digest the fact that you found them and want to make contact. Remember, simply seeing your name on a letter could arouse a plethora of emotions for the person that they need to work out before they meet with you. A letter gives the person time to handle their personal feelings and communicate to the people in their life about a possible reunion with you. Time is of the essence and the initial contact cannot be rushed. A letter is the preferred means of contact because making telephone calls and showing up in person could frighten that someone special and cause them to resist contact altogether. Have patience and allow the person a chance to get used to the idea of reuniting with you.

The first meeting should occur on neutral territory as opposed to someone's home. Get together at a public place, such as a park or restaura

to reacquaint yourselves. Sending such a carefully crafted letter allows the person an opportunity to digest the fact that you found them and want to make contact. Remember, simply seeing your name on a letter could arouse a plethora of emotions for the person that they need to work out before they meet with you. A letter gives the person time to handle their personal feelings and communicate to the people in their life about a possible reunion with you. Time is of the essence and the initial contact cannot be rushed. A letter is the preferred means of contact because making telephone calls and showing up in person could frighten that someone special and cause them to resist contact altogether. Have patience and allow the person a chance to get used to the idea of reuniting with you.

The first meeting should occur on neutral territory as opposed to someone's home. Get together at a public place, such as a park or restaura

the essence and the initial contact cannot be rushed. A letter is the preferred means of contact because making telephone calls and showing up in person could frighten that someone special and cause them to resist contact altogether. Have patience and allow the person a chance to get used to the idea of reuniting with you.

The first meeting should occur on neutral territory as opposed to someone's home. Get together at a public place, such as a park or restaurant, where emotions need to be kept to a minimum and you can escape if it gets uncomfortable. The reunion does not need to encompass hours. Rather, the first meeting should be brief, pleasant and noncommittal. If everything goes well when you get together, you can plan to meet again. Remember, you are getting to know each other all over again and building a new relationship, which takes time, patience and effort. Be pleasant and do not pressure or overwhelm that special someone because a positive first encounter could be the beginning of a great, long-term rapport with the person.

Contact is best left to professionals who have experience dealing with delicate reunion negotiations. Employing a trained investigator and genealogist not only helps you to find that special someone, but allows you to use a mediator to establish contact once the person is found. It is often difficult for you to put yourself in the shoes of the person you are contacting since you are sure to be emotionally charged during this time. An impartial mediator has the skill and sensitivity to effectively communicate with all parties and ensure a smooth reunion process. Also, when you enlist the services of a mediator, you can use their address as a neutral means of communicating during those tense initial stages.

Having an investigator and genealogist conduct research and communicate on your behalf can mean the difference between starting a new, meaningful relationship with that long lost person or never meeting with that special someone at all.