Haven't we all at some time or other wanted to get in touch with someone from our past? Maybe you heard a song that reminded you of someone, or you got out your old high school yearbook. Would you like to find someone from high school? Haven't tried because you don't know where to start? True, it does make it a bit difficult when you don't have an address or phone number, but it is possible to find someone's email address, someone from your past who you would like to connect with.

So what's the first step? Well obviously the easiest and quickest way is to just pick up the phone can give them a call. But we've already determined that isn't possible so first things first - consult the search engines.

Google, Yahoo, MSN, etc, are massive sources of information. This is the first place to start looking when trying to find someone's email address. Type in their name (of course) but remember to type in all variations such as Terrence, Terry, Terrie, Teri, Terrye, etc. You never know! Add the middle name if possible.

Try adding their location if you know it. Add in the school name, hobbies, and anything else you think may link to them.

You may also try some public records sites online to help you with your search. The member directory at AOL may be of some assistance if they happen to have an account there and if they have their real name in their profile. Keep in mind a lot of people don't put their real name in there. So the trick at AOL is to go by their interests, hobbies, favorite quotes, favorite books, and so on. AOL is so massive and has been around for so long you probably would have the best of luck there but try places like Yahoo directory also.

In case you haven't noticed, high school reunion websites are all over the net these days. This could really be a goldmine of information for you if you are still on the hunt to find someone's email address.

Do a search on Google, there are many of these types of sites. Register at a few of them and give it a whirl. Go through their class lists online and see if you can locate your high school pal. If not, check for mutual acquaintances. These sites keep large lists of students and they are constantly signing up on a daily basis. So if your search is unsuccessful, don't give up. Keep monitoring the site and checking for updates to the list of students.

Well, sometimes it's just not possible to find someone's email address and you must resort to a paid site in order to get the job done.

Don't worry, there are some inexpensive ones out there. Using one of these paid email finder sites, you can often find just about any email address you need for less than $20.00. So if you have been searching for a while and are at your wit's end, you might want to just throw in the towel and go ahead and try one of these sites. They are pretty cool.

So you've managed to find your friend's email address. Congratulations!

Now what?

Well, do not begin bombarding them with email after email. After all, you don't know what their life situation is now. It could have changed drastically since the last time you spoke to them, especially if it has been quite a long time.

Start out with a friendly, not too personal email mentioning you "stumbled across" their email (or however you want to word it...don't mention your 6-month search for it at this time please).

If they respond positively, and it sounds like they would like to continue conversing, email a few more times and then maybe you might try a phone call if they're okay with that. Or if they live close by, ask them if they would like to meet for coffee.

At any rate, celebratre and by happy, you have been successful and managed to find someone's email address at a time when such a thing can be like looking for a needle in a haystack.