Decide Whether to Reach Out After a Friendship Fades

You have not spoken in a year and you cannot tell if that is drift, a slight you missed, or a natural ending. Three quick questions sort it: did the friendship have depth, is there a reason for the distance, and do you actually miss them? Then a first message, a low-cost test, or a clean release.

<context>
A friendship has gradually faded and you are wondering whether to reach out or let it go. You are not sure whether the distance is mutual drift, a misunderstanding, or a signal that the friendship has run its course.
</context>

<task>
**Run a three-factor assessment:**
1. History: was this a friendship that mattered and had depth, or mainly a friendship of circumstance?
2. Recent signals: has there been a specific reason for the distance, or just organic drift?
3. Desire: if you are honest with yourself, do you want this person in your life, or do you feel obligated to reach out?

**Then decide:**
4. If all three point toward reaching out: draft the first message in one to two sentences
5. If signals are mixed: suggest one low-cost test (a message with no expectation attached) and a realistic expectation
6. If all three suggest letting go: name what you are releasing and why that is also a valid choice
</task>

<output_format>
- Three-factor assessment: one sentence each
- Recommended path: one sentence
- Action or message if reaching out: two sentences maximum
- Length: 200 to 280 words
- Tone: honest and non-sentimental
</output_format>