Surviving the Class Reunion
Carole wrote:
For some, high school was the epitome of popularity, success, and fun. For others, high school was hell. Whether you were a nerd or just didn't like the drama and cliques, going to school as a teenager was not your cup of tea. Because of this, you're unsure whether to respond to or promptly tear up the invitation for your class reunion. High school reunions can be touchy subjects for many adults for a variety of reasons. Some have just moved past their past and others feel that they are not successful or attractive enough to show up. While these events can be stressful, opting out altogether means missing out on old friends, reminiscing, and having new experiences. Instead of skipping your pending get together, try going in with a plan instead.
First and foremost, do not let your class reunion turn into high school all over again. Getting drunk and dancing on tables, gossiping, and making fun of people all turned out badly then and are still likely to now. Instead of drinking away the pressure or chatting about who's successful and who's a trainwreck, make the gathering about reconnecting with all of your peers. Ask about what they're up to now and relive the fun memories. Do not jump back to all the drama or brood in a corner. Mingle like the adult you've become and avoid getting sucked back into being 18.
Next, do not go crazy over wowing everyone in your graduating class. Looking good and sharing your success are fine, but putting huge amounts of pressure on yourself about it will make the get together more stressful. If you go on a crash diet the week before your reunion, you'll be grouchy to begin with and feel worse if you still don't measure up to your own expectations. Instead, pick out a nice outfit and spend some time reflecting on the truly great things you've done since high school. Even if you haven't climbed Mt. Everest or started your own fashion line, being a stellar mom or managing your own business are still accomplishments to be proud of. Genuine enthusiasm about what you're doing comes across a lot better than acting ashamed of your life. Instead of saying, "I'm just a housewife," say, "I am the PTA president at the school of my three beautiful children." If you get behind yourself, other people will too.
Finally, don't limit yourself to just your high school friends. It's likely that everyone has changed a bit since high school and you may find yourself with new numbers in your phone at the end of the night. By talking to everyone, you can learn new things, settle old drama, and make new business contacts. If you talk to people you didn't talk to in high school it can also help you refrain from gossiping and will keep you occupied while you're there. If you still can't seem to have fun after showing up, there is no shame in an early exit.
Member Comments