What to do if your guy friend starts behaving formally with you?

[sallyalex]

Okay so my friend and I are very close but we only text each other once in a blue moon. Last year I didn't reply back as much as I usually do because of Covid and just anxiety in general. And now my friend is behaving a little formal with me (it is understandable) even he suffers from anxiety. Now I really don't know how to break the ice. Please help me out

[Sia_nee]

You actually started it so you gotta break the ice.

[Shihab-91]

just start chatting again. " hi it has been long time, how you doing?"

[Mr_Peterson]

I prefer friends of the opposite gender to be formal with me.

[sidhutv]

Talk to him directly nothing else can solve it