30 Best Responses to “It’s Been a While”

Time has an uncanny ability to slip away unnoticed, leaving us with the realization that it’s been a while since we last connected or experienced something.

The phrase “It’s been a while” is a familiar icebreaker, signaling the acknowledgment of elapsed time and the changes it brings.

In this article, we’ll explore 30 best responses to this common conversational prompt, delving into various ways people express the perception of time passing.

List of Best Responses to “It’s Been a While”

• Indeed, it has.
• Time flies, doesn’t it?
• Too long, hasn’t it?
• Feels like ages.
• Yeah, it’s been a minute.
• Surprisingly so.
• It really has.
• Longer than I’d like.
• A considerable amount.
• More than I realized.
• I was just thinking the same.
• Far too long.
• Longer than expected.
• Definitely has.
• Quite a stretch.
• You noticed, too?
• More than I care to admit.
• Seems that way.
• Time got away from me.
• Regrettably, yes.
• Unbelievably so.
• It’s been too long.
• Absolutely has.
• I was just reflecting on that.
• Sadly, yes.
• I noticed that too.
• Longer than I anticipated.
• It’s been a hot minute.
• I was just about to mention that.
• Too true.

1. Indeed, it has.

Responding with a simple “Indeed, it has” communicates agreement with the sentiment. It acknowledges the shared understanding of time’s swift passage, creating a connection through a shared perception of elapsed time.

Example: Friend: “We haven’t caught up in ages!” You: “Indeed, it has. Time flies, doesn’t it?”

2. Time Flies, Doesn’t It?

This rhetorical question not only agrees with the observation but also adds a touch of contemplation. It invites the other person to reflect on the passage of time and share their thoughts.

Example: Colleague: “It’s been a minute since our last project together.” You: “Time flies, doesn’t it? Remember how intense that project was?”

3. Too Long, Hasn’t It?

This response introduces a hint of mild humor by stating the obvious. It playfully emphasizes the prolonged duration since the last interaction, acknowledging the extended gap.

Example: Relative: “We missed your family at the reunion.” You: “Too long, hasn’t it? We’ve got to plan a get-together soon!”

4. Feels Like Ages.

Expressing that the duration feels like ages conveys a sense of longing or nostalgia. It adds an emotional touch, emphasizing the impact of time on the relationship or shared experiences.

Example: Sibling: “We should hang out more often.” You: “Feels like ages. Let’s plan something this weekend.”

5. Yeah, It’s Been a Minute.

The colloquial “It’s been a minute” acknowledges the elapsed time in a casual, friendly manner. It suggests that though time has passed, the connection remains strong.

Example: Friend: “We need to catch up over coffee.” You: “Yeah, it’s been a minute. Let’s make it happen soon.”

6. Surprisingly So.

Adding an element of surprise to the acknowledgment of time passing conveys a sense of realization. It suggests that the speaker may not have fully grasped the extent of the elapsed time.

Example: Classmate: “I can’t believe it’s been a year since graduation.” You: “Surprisingly so. Time really sneaks up on us.”

7. It Really Has.

A straightforward affirmation, “It really has,” emphasizes the speaker’s agreement with the perception of time passing. It’s a concise way to acknowledge the shared understanding.

Example: Neighbor: “Our kids have grown so much.” You: “It really has. Time waits for no one, right?”

8. Longer Than I’d Like.

This response introduces a personal touch by expressing a desire for more frequent interactions. It subtly communicates the importance of the relationship and the wish for closer connections.

Example: Work Friend: “Lunch dates seem rare these days.” You: “Longer than I’d like. Let’s plan one next week.”

9. A Considerable Amount.

Choosing the phrase “a considerable amount” adds a touch of formality to the acknowledgment. It implies that the duration of time is notable and worthy of recognition.

Example: Teammate: “We haven’t worked together in a while.” You: “A considerable amount. Let’s collaborate on the next project.”

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10. More Than I Realized.

This response suggests a moment of reflection, indicating that the speaker may not have been fully aware of the passage of time until prompted. It sparks self-awareness.

Example: Study Buddy: “Remember our late-night study sessions?” You: “More than I realized. Those were good times.”

11. I Was Just Thinking the Same.

This synchronicity in thought adds a conversational element. It implies a shared awareness of the time gap, reinforcing the idea that both parties value the connection.

Example: Cousin: “We need a family reunion.” You: “I was just thinking the same. Let’s plan it together.”

12. Far Too Long.

The use of “far too long” conveys a sense of urgency or necessity for reconnection. It emphasizes that the duration has surpassed an acceptable limit.

Example: College Friend: “When can we catch up?” You: “Far too long. How about dinner this weekend?”

13. Longer Than Expected.

This response introduces an element of anticipation, suggesting that the speaker may have initially anticipated a shorter duration between interactions.

Example: Gym Buddy: “Haven’t seen you at the gym lately.” You: “Longer than expected. Let’s hit the gym together this week.”

14. Definitely Has.

Adding emphasis with “definitely” underscores the certainty of the acknowledgment. It conveys a strong agreement with the notion that a significant amount of time has passed.

Example: Team Member: “We should revisit that project idea.” You: “Definitely has. Let’s schedule a brainstorming session.”

15. Quite a Stretch.

The use of “quite a stretch” introduces a playful tone to the acknowledgment. It implies a degree of flexibility in the perception of time, making the conversation more lighthearted.

Example: Art Classmate: “Missed your paintings in class.” You: “Quite a stretch. I’ll bring some sketches next time.”

16. You Noticed, Too?

Posing the acknowledgment as a question adds an interactive element. It invites the other person to share their thoughts on the passage of time, creating a mutual exchange.

Example: Roommate: “We haven’t had a movie night lately.” You: “You noticed, too? Let’s plan one this Friday.”

17. More Than I Care to Admit.

This response adds a touch of humor and self-awareness. It suggests that the speaker may have intentionally avoided acknowledging the elapsed time.

Example: Sibling: “You haven’t visited in ages.” You: “More than I care to admit. I’ll come over this weekend.”

18. Seems That Way.

The use of “seems that way” introduces a degree of subjectivity to the acknowledgment. It implies that the perception of time is based on personal observation.

Example: College Roommate: “We should grab lunch.” You: “Seems that way. Let’s plan a lunch date soon.”

19. Time Got Away from Me.

This admission of losing track of time adds a personal touch to the acknowledgment. It suggests that external factors may have contributed to the extended duration.

Example: Travel Buddy: “We haven’t explored new places lately.” You: “Time got away from me. Let’s plan a weekend trip.”

20. Undoubtedly Has.

Expressing certainty with “undoubtedly” strengthens the affirmation of the acknowledgment. It conveys a resolute agreement with the idea that a significant amount of time has passed.

Example: Family Friend: “We should plan a barbecue this summer.” You: “Undoubtedly has. Let’s set a date for the barbecue next month.”

21. Unbelievably So.

The use of “unbelievably so” conveys a sense of astonishment or disbelief at the passage of time. It adds a layer of surprise to the acknowledgment, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the duration.

Example: Classmate: “It’s been ages since our last class together.” You: “Unbelievably so. Time really does fly in college.”

22. It’s Been Too Long.

Expressing that it’s been “too long” adds a sense of urgency and importance to the acknowledgment. It implies that the speaker values the connection and wishes for more frequent interactions.

Example: Friend: “We should plan a weekend getaway.” You: “It’s been too long. Let’s make it happen next month.”

23. Absolutely Has.

The use of “absolutely” adds a strong affirmation to the acknowledgment. It conveys a firm agreement with the idea that a substantial amount of time has passed.

Example: Sister: “Our family dinners are rare nowadays.” You: “Absolutely has. Let’s plan a family dinner this Sunday.”

24. I Was Just Reflecting On That.

Introducing the acknowledgment as a reflection adds depth to the response. It implies that the speaker has actively thought about the passage of time and its impact.

Example: Colleague: “We should collaborate on a project.” You: “I was just reflecting on that. Let’s discuss it further.”

25. Sadly, Yes.

The use of “sadly” introduces an element of regret to the acknowledgment. It suggests that the speaker may feel a sense of loss due to the extended duration.

Example: Friend: “We haven’t played video games in ages.” You: “Sadly, yes. Let’s schedule a gaming night this weekend.”

26. I Noticed That Too.

Making the acknowledgment mutual by stating “I noticed that too” creates a shared understanding. It reinforces the idea that both parties are aware of the elapsed time.

Example: Co-worker: “We should have more team outings.” You: “I noticed that too. Let’s plan one for next Friday.”

27. Longer Than I Anticipated.

Adding a touch of anticipation to the acknowledgment suggests that the speaker may have expected a shorter duration between interactions. It introduces an element of surprise.

Example: Study Partner: “We haven’t studied together recently.” You: “Longer than I anticipated. Let’s prepare for the exam together.”

28. It’s Been a Hot Minute.

The use of “hot minute” adds a trendy and casual element to the acknowledgment. It implies that the duration has been more than just a brief moment.

Example: Cousin: “Let’s catch up over the weekend.” You: “It’s been a hot minute. I’m in! Saturday works for me.”

29. I Was Just About to Mention That.

Stating that “I was just about to mention that” adds a conversational flow to the acknowledgment. It implies that the speaker has actively thought about the elapsed time.

Example: Sibling: “We should plan a family game night.” You: “I was just about to mention that. Let’s do it this Friday.”

30. Too True.

Concluding the list with “too true” adds a final affirmation to the acknowledgment. It reinforces the shared understanding of time’s passage and sets the stage for future interactions.

Example: Friend: “We need a spa day soon.” You: “Too true. Let’s book a spa day this month.”

Conclusion

In the tapestry of human connections, the acknowledgment of time’s passage serves as a common thread. “It’s been a while” opens the door to shared memories, laughter, and the potential for renewed connections.

These 30 responses, ranging from casual affirmations to heartfelt reflections, offer a glimpse into the diverse ways people express the impact of time on relationships. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of life, may these responses serve as bridges to meaningful reunions and the creation of new memories.

After all, in the ebb and flow of time, the beauty lies in our ability to reconnect and cherish the moments that truly matter.