I recently traveled to Seattle, WA for my 20-year high school reunion. Although social media has helped in keeping in contact with old friends, it was still a little nerve-wracking knowing that I would be seeing people I had last seen when I was 19 years old.
Here are some tips for making your high school reunion memorable!
1. Pick out several outfit options that you know you'll be comfortable in. If you choose an outfit or a pair of shoes that are maybe a little too trendy or different from what you usually wear, it may end up being uncomfortable. Pick out something that you don't mind standing (and possibly walking) in for a couple hours. Having several outfits available will also give you the option to change your mind last minute - and already have something ironed out ready to go!
2. Reach out to old friends! I reached out to a couple of old friends ahead of time. I wanted to know if they'd be at the reunion and let them know how excited I was to see them again. Several said that it was because I reached out that they ended up going to the reunion after all. Everyone likes the personal touch - so don't hesitate to look up old friends on social media (or google).
3. Skip the pre-reunion diet! Don't panic about your appearance and start googling "how to lose 10 pounds in 2 weeks". Remember, you're not returning to see everyone in their teen years. EVERYONE has aged and looks different. Go, have fun, reconnect and reminisce.
4. A little pampering can give you a big confidence boost. I booked a facial at InnerGlow Skin Studio and my skin was left looking refreshed and rejuvenated. Just one service is enough to give you a pop of confidence. I felt amazing! I hadn't gone on a last-minute crash diet, but I felt better about my appearance overall. Book a facial, get a manicure or visit your hair stylist for a little update. Small changes can make you feel better and more confident.
5. Take your spouse, partner or a close friend as your date. My husband is incredibly friendly and easygoing. I am not as extroverted as him, so I felt more at ease knowing that he was coming with me.
6. Leave grudges in the past. Don't let hurt feelings keep you from reconnecting with old friends and classmates! In the age of social media, you may run into classmates with whom you've had disagreements with online. That's okay! Smile, let it go. I'm sure they will also be happy to move on and keep the friendship or connection intact.
7. Be yourself. Don't feel the need to brag or embellish. No, we don't own a boat or go on international luxury vacations. My husband and I live a very modest middle-class life, so that's just what I said when asked! I didn't give a rundown of my more impressive resume highlights, because that's not really who I am nor where my focus lies.
8. Do a little research before the main event. Even a little social media searching can be helpful. Knowing if someone has experienced a recent loss, for example, can help avoid embarrassment or triggering unpleasant emotions. If you're not sure of something, pause before jumping in to ask. They may have experienced a death, divorce or similarly traumatic event (and may not want to talk about it).
Your high school reunion can be a truly wonderful time of connection and reminiscing on old times. Go, be yourself and have fun! You will be glad you went.
