Make room for the other version
Ask what the other person understood before assuming that you are arguing about the same facts. For a message about how to reconnect with a childhood camp friend, use this factual base: introduce yourself with one shared place, activity, person, or time period they can recognize.
Correct the record precisely
Correct only what you can support, acknowledge any real impact, and propose a practical way to prevent repetition. Offer a low-pressure way to confirm the connection and share a brief reason for reaching out. Make the immediate next step clear enough that the recipient can answer without reconstructing the entire history.
Agree on a testable next step
Do not assume old closeness, demand memories, or ask for personal details before they verify who you are. Respect privacy, identity uncertainty, and any refusal, and avoid contacting a minor without a guardian-appropriate route. Do not recruit an audience, publish private evidence, or turn a misunderstanding into a campaign about character.