You've been invited to your high school class reunion. That's exciting! Then, why are you getting butterflies in your stomach when you think about it? You may even be hesitating, wondering if you should attend. Don't be so quick to dismiss that invite. You might just miss something really wonderful. Here are seven easy ways to alleviate the stress and have a great time at your reunion party.
1. Realize you're not the only one who's nervous. If your school is typical, only 20 - 30 percent of your classmates will attend your reunion party. Of course, some have legitimate reasons for not being there. But a lot of people simply get cold feet. The results of a survey conducted by Roper Starch Worldwide (1991) indicated that only 22 percent of adults expect that attending a class reunion would be a "good time". The rest are viewing that invitation with a bit of anxiety or even dread. Just about everyone is uneasy about facing their old high school class. But, knowing that the people at the party will be in the same boat and probably feeling as nervous as you, helps level the playing field.
2. Decode your anxiety. If you figure out exactly why you're nervous, it can help you deal with it. When you visualize getting together with former classmates, what are you afraid might happen? Do you think they will judge you for not measuring up to some standard of beauty or success? If you zero in on the cause of your apprehension, you can start to work on it.
3. Be realistic. You're not perfect. Neither is anyone else. Everyone is getting older. At the reunion party, there will be classmates that have lost their hair, gone grey, put on weight, gone through a divorce, lost their job, made bad decisions or are hurting financially. And they will be nervous that you're going to judge them. Sure, there will be one or two people there, looking unbelievably good and bragging about their fortune. But most of people at the reunion will normal, imperfect human beings that are hoping to reconnect with old friends and have a good time.
4. Build your confidence ahead of time. Strive to eat healthier and get more exercise. Take care of yourself. Buy something new and flattering to wear at the party. But you don't need to take drastic steps to alter your outer appearance. Instead, concentrate on cultivating your sense of self worth and appreciate what makes you special.
5. Lower your expectations. Not everyone will remember you. That's OK, you won't remember a lot of people, either. Seeing that old high school sweetheart again, might be a let down. Everyone has changed, so the old gang might not be what it used to be. Don't pin your hopes on anything in particular. If you're prepared to just enjoy the festivities, you won't be disappointed.
6. Rekindle old school friendships BEFORE the reunion. One of the best ways to get over these jitters, is to get in touch with a few former classmates before the party. Your reunion website should have contact information for people who will be attending the event. Reach out by email or phone and arrange to get together, if possible. Then plan to attend the event together. If you've already broken the ice and are comfortable with some old friends, you won't feel as stressed when facing the others you haven't seen for years.
7. Go for the right reasons. This is a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends. There may be people there that you never met or overlooked in high school who could become new friends. Take a trip down memory lane and revisit the good old days. Go, with confidence, and have a lot of fun.
Yes, there's no doubt about it. You are bound to feel a little nervous about attending your class reunion party. Just realize that your other classmates are feeling the same way and would really like to see you again. So, don't disappoint them. Go confidently, with your head held high and have a great time. You will be so glad you did!
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