During the early days after I graduated from school, I was thrilled with the idea of class reunions. Who wouldn't love mingling with friends and classmates, reminiscing the good 'ol days, and laughing at old jokes but timeless jokes? It was a fun idea if you ask me!
But after attending several catch-ups and get-togethers of elementary, high school, and college classmates, I realized that reality is way different from what I expected reunions will be.
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
First, reuniting with your old flings and buddies feel awkward.
Especially when they already have families of their own or have already soared high in their respective careers. Suddenly, the old jokes seem no longer proper, and striking a meaningful conversation feels forced.
I remember meeting my elementary friends after two decades. I felt excited at first but when I saw them I felt left out. Some brought their spouses, some are not really into the moment because they are most of the time preoccupied with their phones. No wonder, the excitement wanes when you realize it's a challenge to reconnect with people you use to hang out with.
Second, most of the reunions I attended ended up as just booze sessions
I have nothing against people who drink. I understand that it is their way of socializing and keeping up with the conversation. It adds spice, so they say.
But the reunions I went to ended up as glorified booze fest, which I am not fond of. My idea of reunions is catching up with what's happening in their lives and recollecting meaningful memories. Until the drinking sessions end up with people bragging about several things and laughing at someone else's "misfortune", or "slow progress", for lack of a better term. I get uncomfortable. Not because I feel insecure, but because it kinda defeats the purpose of meeting together for good time's sake. I guess that's the reason why some of my classmates choose not to attend, and those who insist on going are those who "made it."
But I still want to meet with my former classmates and friends!
Instead of reunions, I opt to meet people in smaller groups, say 1-3 persons at a time, and do it intentionally! We meet at coffee shops, or just have road trips, or just spend time at parks - basically a place conducive to life talks and catching up. Movies are also a great option! Again, drinking is not for me, but catching up over a cup of coffee is always welcome.
Big reunions are great, and I know it works best for some. But personally, I'd rather meet a selected few, and reconnect with them intentionally. Not because I am anti-social, nor I am not fun at parties, but because instead of highlighting progress and "slow movements", who's pregnant and already with kids, who's still single and ready to mingle, and who had the best "glow-up" after graduation, the thing we should be highlighting is how we can remain as friends after the years.