Should you attend the reunion?

Has it already been 30 years? Yes, you really are that old now. But I can promise you two things: Everyone else is 30 years older as well, and the experience of seeing your classmates after 30 years will not be anything like you imagined it would be.

Feeling self-conscious?

You probably have less hair and more weight. That's the bad news. The good news is, you are not alone. We're all in the same boat, so do yourself a favor and do not be self-conscious about it.

Feeling anxious?

This is not your prom, but it still can make everyone anxious. That's natural. You will realize that everyone has grown up and become someone very different than you remember. To help alleviate your anxieties, please feel free to get in touch with the reunion organizers if you have any questions or concerns.

Feel alone?

Who are you going to take with you? If you don't have a significant other to bring, call one of your old friends and see if you might want to go together. Or get involved with the reunion organizers, they could always use help, and this way you've touched base with a few attendees prior to the reunion. This approach will alleviate many unfounded fears of being alone.

How should I act?

Be yourself. You’re not running for public office. Your fellow classmates are not interested in what kind of car you drive or how much you paid in taxes last year. They will want to know how you are, not how successful you are.

How should I dress?

This isn’t a fashion show, but dress nicely. Despite what you may believe going into it, you are not going to hook up with that person you always wanted to ask out, but never did.

Love to drink?

If you drink alcohol, don’t drink too much. You have not seen most of these people in 10 or more years. In all likelihood, you won’t see them again for another 10 years. If you get hammered and make a fool out of yourself, that is all anyone will remember and talk about until the 40-year reunion.

Putting it in perspective

While you may be afraid that you will be confronted by that person that you dread seeing, you will actually find most everyone quite happy to see you. You may not realize it now, but the only regret you will have is if you do not go. You will leave thankful that you made the effort. It puts the high school experience in a new light that has allowed for a completely new perspective that only comes with time.

Bottom Line

So go and have fun!