20 years is a long time, and is no time at all
High school mostly sucked for me. I was smart and sarcastic and too mature to relate to most of my peers. I had a mom everyone knew as The One to Ask What Such-and-Such Means (dirty words, mostly), and a penchant for loving books more than anything else. I had a really cool car thanks to having a really cool dad. Everyone thought that 1966 Mustang was amazing, but really I cared mostly about getting to school and work and One Step Beyond (see underage club, circa 1988, 1989 for definition) in it. I liked having money; I liked reading in my room; and I liked a few close friends. Mostly I wanted to grow up and get the fuck out of high school.
So then there was facebook. I had no idea so many people were nosy, adding me just to see my pics, because really? Why else are you friending me, peeps I haven’t seen or heard from in nearly 20 years? I mean, we didn’t jive back in 1987, we ain’t gonna jive now, knowhatI’msayin? But it was sort of neat to see a few people grown up. Via facebook, of course. Even the locals. There would be no actual meeting. Why would we meet now when we couldn’t bear each other during high school?
Then the 20th reunion came along. I didn’t want to go. An old friend persuaded me to go. I got drunk really early in the night. Because I couldn’t bear the whole thing. I don’t know why. Most people were fascinated that I wasn’t married, didn’t have children. I was some anomaly to be interviewed. Unfortunately I was so far gone on vodka I had to tell myself to stay quiet to avoid embarrassing myself. One dude grabbed my ass many times. Women wanted to know what life was like without kids. I wanted to get the fuck outta there. Just like 20 years ago.
It was nice to see a few people. But after all is said and done, I could have done without. 20 years is really no time at all. Everyone still looked like their 15 year old selves.
Adults with a weird history of weird awkwardness to the weirdth degree really need to meet again after 20 years?
I’m thinking no.
I’m pleased you went and it’s now out of your system. Reunions are not for everyone, so I am proud of you for attending and for allowing the booze to be your escort!
I go to all of my reunions, because I really liked my school and the various friends I grew up knowing.
For the last six years, I planned the All School Social, held at a local pub. No dishes, no overhead expense and people could buy what they want. Each year was a great success.
The best part of each social is when I witness friends greeting each other for the first time in 30+ years and their expressions of joy and delight makes the effort worth it for me.
Maybe you’ll never attend another reunion. That’s okay! xo Thank you for sharing your story.
Jennyablue
7 Jul 10 at 11:36 pm