The prodigal’s father didn’t wait at the door with his arms folded. He ran.

Everyone in the story expected folded arms and a lecture, and the father ran, which rearranges the whole thing. Being met before you have explained yourself is a different experience from being forgiven after a sufficiently good speech. The running says the relationship was never actually in question. Whether or not you share that belief, it is a template for how to receive somebody coming back.

If a friend or family member is edging back toward you, move first. Skip the accounting of who was wrong and start with being glad.