Musing on Class Reunions

Posted by lushlife

Posted: June 13, 2008 - 3:45 pm

So. It's finally here. Next weekend. Looming like a second 29th birthday. My 10-year high school reunion.

Many things are running through my brain right now, and how to avoid becoming completely intoxicated and ridiculous is high on the list.

In movies and on TV, class reunions are always in big ballrooms and feature nametags, dance floors and dressy '80s clothes. But in Alaska, things are a little different. In fact I'm half-surprised the reunion isn't located at the dirt pit three miles out of town. We certainly spent enough time there in high school.

In any case, after 10 years of being an adult I'm wondering what the etiquette is when faced with the nervous energy, anxiety and downright fear of meeting some people you may want to see again, and some you may never want to see again in this lifetime. Ever. The solution, as several of my friends have pointed out, is alcohol. It lubricates all conversational awkwardness. But unfortunately, it can lead to a completely different kind of awkwardness - primarily having to do with everyone remembering how badly you danced at prom.

Either way, it's one of those milestones you can't ignore and for me, I think it's worth attending - you only have one of them, and even if it becomes the single most horrible experience you've had in the past 10 years, you'll have that memory and never wish you had gone. And, from there you can only go up.

To help out any other class of '98 partiers out there, I've found a great informational video on how to beat a hangover, especially if you find yourself chugging vodka tonics until you get the nerve to talk to that guy you used to have a crush on in history class. Check it out here. Happy partying!

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