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Catching up with a friend in English (advanced)

Advanced English for catching up with a friend. Key line: “Hey, Jake, it's been forever—what have you been up to?”

Full script

LinHey, Jake, it's been forever—what have you up to?
ThemHonestly, work's been all over the place, and I somehow started running.
LinRunning? Wow, I did not see that coming—are you okay?
ThemI know, right? Now I voluntarily wake up before sunrise, which feels illegal.
LinSo, apart from becoming a morning person, how's everything else going?
ThemPretty good, actually—my sister had a baby, so weekends are gloriously chaotic.
LinThat's huge—congrats! We should catch up properly sometime; I owe you coffee.
ThemDeal—but if I order herbal tea now, don't say running changed me.

Key phrases

The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.

Small talk

✓ It's been forever.

Long-time friend greeting

Very common in spoken English

Updates

✓ What have you been up to?

Ask about recent life or activities

More specific than How are you?

Surprise

✓ I did not see that coming.

Use for unexpected news

Good when something surprises you

Make plans

✓ We should catch up properly sometime.

Friendly way to suggest a real chat later

Sounds sincere, not just polite

Quick answers

Small talk: what to say in English

Say “It's been forever.” — long-time friend greeting. Very common in spoken English.

Updates: what to say in English

Say “What have you been up to?” — ask about recent life or activities. More specific than How are you?

Surprise: what to say in English

Say “I did not see that coming.” — use for unexpected news. Good when something surprises you.

Make plans: what to say in English

Say “We should catch up properly sometime.” — friendly way to suggest a real chat later. Sounds sincere, not just polite.

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