Attending class reunions

[Seven77]

 Hey everybody.  I was just wondering if any of you have ever been to a class reunion. Tomorrow will be my 20 year high school reunion and I'm a little nervous about it.  Let's just say that I was definitely not one of the popular kids!  I kept to myself a lot and am not in contact with anyone except probably one person that I looked up on Facebook last week. Anyway, I don't know what to expect… honestly, I never thought that I would go to these things. But, I think the Lord wants me to go… I'm looking at it as a chance for redemption. To get  it right. Some of you might know that I had a very challenging time during my high school years. I struggled with acceptance from my peers and from myself.

Any advice, tips, suggestions?

[Nihil Obstat]

If it were me, I would examine my motivation for going, my intentions, and my goals. That way you will have a clear idea as to how to approach the event with regards to you own mindset and behaviour. 

[CatherineM]

I skipped mine when I lived close enough to go. Didn't have anyone in my class I wanted to see. 

[Luigi]

IN twenty years, everyone will have changed, but in various ways. Some will have matured; some become more who-they-always-were as they age (but they don't necessarily mature). On the other hand, if they haven't seen you in 20 years, they can only know you as they knew you back then - and yo can only know them that way, too. 

So I'd develop and then practice saying a few phrases such as, "We hardly knew each other then - maybe we can get to know each other now," or "I was a very different person in my teens - as I'm sure you were, too." And if you get uncomfortable while you're there, there's no law that says you have to stay. 

[Not A Real Name]

Most High School reunions are filled with two types of people; a. "Look at me!" and b. "Don't look at me!"

Add booze to the mix and some "Look away!" people come out of the woodwork. 

[He is Risen!]

I went to my 10 year 5 years ago and it was very healing.  I was also pretty low on the high school food chain. All the years after graduating and not seeing those people, I hadn't mentally given them a change them a chance to grow up so they were enshrined in my memory as rotten teenagers.  I was very pleasantly surprised on how friendly people were.  Granted everyone was probably making an effort to put their best foot forward, but people were chatty and there to have a good time and nobody made me eat lunch in the bathroom!

Edited July 16, 2016 by He is Risen!

[Seven77]

13 hours ago, Nihil Obstat said:

If it were me, I would examine my motivation for going, my intentions, and my goals. That way you will have a clear idea as to how to approach the event with regards to you own mindset and behaviour. 

Good idea. That way I'll go with realistic expectations.

3 hours ago, He is Risen! said:

I went to my 10 year 5 years ago and it was very healing.  I was also pretty low on the high school food chain. All the years after graduating and not seeing those people, I hadn't mentally given them a change them a chance to grow up so they were enshrined in my memory as rotten teenagers.  I was very pleasantly surprised on how friendly people were.  Granted everyone was probably making an effort to put their best foot forward, but people were chatty and there to have a good time and nobody made me eat lunch in the bathroom!

Thanks for sharing.

Yeah, I'm hopeful that it'll be healing. Seeing that its the Jubilee Year of Mercy, I think of it as an opportunity for being merciful (giving the chance to grow up!) and receiving mercy (being well received).

11 hours ago, Luigi said:

IN twenty years, everyone will have changed, but in various ways. Some will have matured; some become more who-they-always-were as they age (but they don't necessarily mature). On the other hand, if they haven't seen you in 20 years, they can only know you as they knew you back then - and yo can only know them that way, too. 

So I'd develop and then practice saying a few phrases such as, "We hardly knew each other then - maybe we can get to know each other now," or "I was a very different person in my teens - as I'm sure you were, too." And if you get uncomfortable while you're there, there's no law that says you have to stay. 

We're all adults--I hope! A good thing about having been so self reserved, most people will only have a vague memory of me!

[Spem in alium]

I had my 5 year reunion a couple of years ago and didn't go as I didn't really have a motive. The small number of people I keep in contact with either didn't go themselves or I was able to catch up with them at another time (even overseas, which was nice), and some people with whom I would have liked to connect didn't attend. In the end I was glad I didn't go as it seemed mostly to be a night of people drinking excessively (and someone even got their drink spiked).

Edited July 17, 2016 by Spem in alium

[Seven77]

 Well, I just want to update this thread. I ended up not going due to circumstances beyond my control. I have to say that it didn't really take it well--- I put a lot of thought and effort into planning to go to it. But anyway, I made the best of the situation and went to another event the next day, a reunion picnic. Granted there were only 5 classmates there along with families, it was kind of healing and it made me feel kind of accomplished.  They were so friendly and welcoming.  All in all, I was glad that I went to that at least. I feel that my goal was met.