Tuesday, June 03, 2008

High School Reunions

My daughter was mentioning that her 10 year class reunion was this summer - although I know that can't be true because it was bad enough when her older sister had hers (4 years ago!) and I know I couldn't be that old.  
Anyway, as it would happen, I also found myself perusing that Classmate website - which led to them sending me emails.  You know the ones "See who's checking up on you by giving us money - yada, yada, yada"  But they did email me that I could check out someone's photo album for free.  It happened to be a girl I went to grade school & high school with and it was pics from out last reunion (guess how many years) which I did not attend- so of course - I checked it out.   WHO WERE THOSE OLD PEOPLE?? :)
I've never been very good at recognizing someone I've not seen in years but I did actually pick out a few familiar faces - but most of them were just total strangers to me.  Which got me thinking - if they have another one next year (which is another landmark year for us) should I go?  I can't imagine what I would have to say to most of them - if I could even figure out who they are.  Oh I know there will be name tags but unless they are written in about 50 font - I will have to stand very close to read them.  And even then - can I be sure I'll remember who they are.
The truth is - I don't think I really like reunions as such.  I know I'm probably the odd one -Steve would probably enjoy mine even more than I would but that's because he has never struggled to find something to say even to a total stranger.  
I remember the 10 year reunion - everyone still recognizable but a few shocking changes and we were just starting to get on with our own personal lives.  The 20 year was a little harder and the 25 - except for a few old friends I really wanted to see, I couldn't wait to leave.   And I think that is my problem - I'm not a party person - I prefer one to one get-togethers.  I've only kept in touch with a couple of friends from those years.  I tried to do better but you know how life gets in the way.  So I can't decide if it is worth my discomfort to try and catch up with a few people I really would like to see - or should I just skip it and save myself the grief (you know what I mean - there's the diet - the right outfit - the haircut, etc. etc.   Any suggestions?

3 comments:

Kathryn & John said...

Ironic you should write this. I just got the notice of my xx reunion (it's just too big to write out). Anyway, I'm in the same dilemma. I don't like parties. I've only kept up with a couple of people. I'm afraid I wouldn't recognize anyone. Etc. etc. John is like Steve--he'd probably enjoy it way more than me. I think I've pretty much decided to stay home. Let me know what you decide to do. Kathryn

Bradford L. Stevens said...

I think you should go! Don't worry about those you don't know. Enjoy the ones you do. Those opportunities are few during your lifetime. I know that others would be blessed by your participation.

Anonymous said...

I know it's not your 50th, so I say skip it! My 20th is this year and I don;t think we are even having one, and if we did I don;t think I would go. If I want to talk to these people, then I can use the internet or the phonebook to find them and go out to lunch with them! I'm like you, not much of a large group kind of gal.
KT