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According to Bonior, the host of the ‘Baggage Check’ podcast and the author of ‘Detox Your Thoughts,’ there are several reasons why people feel so much pressure to impress others at their school reunions.

“These are the people that they went through adolescence with—the time of life where they wanted most to fit in, and wondered if they measured up, and compared themselves constantly. So the presence of those same people can be a trigger back to that same mindset,” she explained that this is similar to going back to your parents’ house after moving out. Doing this can make you take on the old role of feeling like a child.

“Also, the passage of time that goes on before a reunion is a reality check about what you are doing with your life, and how much you are ‘supposed’ to have progressed in the time since— the comparisons get even tougher because you are expected to have something to ‘show’ for these years since you were last in high school, and you might wonder whether you have interesting enough stories to talk about, or impressive enough achievements,” she said.

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened I play in a band. We got booked by a restaurant "for some class reunion". I show up to set up for the gig & it's my f*****g class. I wasn't even invited.

Gonzostewie , John Matychuk Report

Final score:

424points

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Mistiekim 1 year ago (edited)

Technically you and your band were invited. Just trying to make some lemonade out of these lemons here….

150points

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened Haven't had a high school reunion yet, but here's a fun one from my Mom's third reunion.

She went with my dad back to her hometown for the reunion. My dad grew up in a different place, so he didn't know anybody there. Bored out of his mind, he decided to have some fun and found a way to discreetly ask someone who the biggest juvenile deliquent, troublemaker was in their graduating class.

Let's call him... Albert Davis.

So, my dad went to the nametag table and found Albert Davis's nametag. He put it on and went around saying hi to everyone just to watch their reactions, because most of them assumed that Albert Davis was in prison.

My mom did not think it was funny.

anon , LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR Report

Final score:

378points

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Lord Mysticlaw 1 year ago

I think it's hilarious 🤣

192points

Meanwhile, some alumni might be incredibly self-conscious about the physical ways that they’ve changed, e.g. aging, losing hair, and gaining weight. ‘They don't want to see the ‘shocked’ look on someone's face when they are seen, especially if it was someone they were romantically connected to,” Bonior told Bored Panda.

We were interested in what might help someone feel less pressure at events like school reunions. According to Bonior, it’s essential that you remind yourself that this is just going to be the ‘public’ snapshot of someone’s life. Very much like posting something on social media. You never know what the actual story is, just beneath the surface.

“The person with the fanciest shoes might be massively in debt, the person with the attractive partner might be on the verge of divorce, the person with the impressive career might be hated by their coworkers and about to be fired.”

Meanwhile, the perspective that you might want to consider having when you go to your reunion is seeing it as your opportunity to make new memories in the way that you want. It’s your chance to connect with the people you find interesting and enjoyable, “not as your obligation to perform for others or impress them.”

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened When i was like 6 i went to my dad small town 30(?) yr reunion. His ex fiancé (not my mom) was dressed in her prom dress. And kept talking to me saying she should have been my mommy. Even then i knew that was weird. Keep your crazy in lady

honey579badger , Imani Report

Final score:

301points

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Orangefox 1 year ago

She still fit in her prom dress

92points

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened My wife (at the time) and I had dated all through HS and college. We married and had a child. We still had a few close friends we graduated with that were going as well. I would say there was about a 70% turnout. We had a good time and everyone got pretty drunk. We all mingled and my wife talked to a guy who she had cheated on me with right after HS. They didn't speak for more that 3 minutes. They hadn't spoke since that day almost 10 years before. We had moved passed it and had a family, at least that's what I thought. Less than a month after the reunion I could tell that something wasn't right, when I asked her about it she told me she wasn't happy and wanted a divorce. We had been together for a VERY long time and I was devastated. After a week of feeling like I had failed and doing everything I could to win her back I discovered she had been having an affair with that same guy.

DrMonkey7 , Justin Groep Report

Final score:

278points

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JoMeBee 1 year ago

That sucks; I'm sorry.

181points

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened Apparently, every year, my brother's graduating class gets together at this one neighborhood bar over thanksgiving. It's not a formal thing, but anyone can come and they all have a few drinks and it's totally normal. I literally had no idea about it, and apparently my brother didn't either, because three or four years ago we showed up to get a drink together alone and his entire graduating class of 50-ish people were there.

Now, my brother was super nerdy and kind of an awkward kid, but the Marines and college turned that around and now he's a outgoing, sociable guy. Coming out of the closet once he hit 23 helped too, since he was comfortable in his own skin and it showed outwardly.

Thing was, no one seemed to know he was gay. And this is small town in the midwest, where there's nothing else to do but gossip and since no one leaves, everyone knows everyone else. I literally spent all night cringing, while my brother dodged the advances of a bunch of girls aggressively hitting on him. Since the dating pool is the same guys they went to high school with and he was fresh meat, they were all coming on super strong and it was bad. Then everything got even worse when he told them he was living on the east coast because he was gay and married, and his husband's job was there.

2354PK , cottonbro studio Report

Final score:

271points

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JoMeBee 1 year ago (edited)

This definitely makes the cut into my movie script! I'm visualizing the women were so drunk and/or desperate that they were making bets that they could "turn him"...

121points

“So many people have the same insecurities that it becomes a waste of energy to dwell so much on what others are thinking—they are thinking about how they come across!” Bonior said, adding that you should aim to have a few interesting conversations and “if you need to cut the night short, give yourself permission to.” That last part, we feel, is absolutely essential.

Bored Panda also reached out to social psychologist Martocci. The founder of ‘The Emotion Spa’ answered a couple of our questions on how to deal with embarrassment in a way that empowers you. After all, many of us have a low-key fear that someone will end up telling embarrassing stories about us from our past, at our next high school reunion. First of all, start off by thinking of something that your classmate might say that would make you absolutely cringe if that's the way you're being remembered all these years after finishing high school. It might be a nickname that you hated or a very embarrassing incident.

The social psychologist then suggested taking a step back, avoiding getting “tangled up in uncomfortable feelings” that are bound to be rushing back, and asking yourself a few important questions. “What might make a former classmate try to embarrass me? Make him or her, (either overtly, or in a passive-aggressive way), ridicule me in front of others?”

10 year reunion held at a bar owned by former classmate; started at 10 pm. Owner told people adults over 21 only. People said they needed to bring their kids and were told no.

Several people brought their babies and toddlers anyway. Parents drank like teenagers and the kids ran wild. Owner called cops who watched the parents be negligent. Parents escorted out by some cops and their kids were taken out by others.

WeedleBeest , Drew Beamer Report

Final score:

262points

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Lord Mysticlaw 1 year ago

I'm not attending anything that starts at 10pm, thanks...

241points

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened A guy from our class passed away from cancer shortly before our 20th reunion. He was never super popular but was pretty well known across our class. During the awards/speech section of the night, the lady (our class president, I think) was trying to get the crowd to settle down for a moment of silence. You could tell it meant a lot to her as she started getting heated. The crowd started shushing one another, and it got just quiet enough to hear somebody say 'geez, did somebody die or something?'

badideas1 , Ben Moreland Report

Final score:

249points

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Passerby 1 year ago

Perhaps that was not intentional, but it was thoughtless nonetheless.

133points

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened At my 10th, the organizers gave "awards" to people for various reasons. One girl from our class was given an award for having the "most kids" of anyone there. She'd had 4 by different guys which was part of the announcement. The look on her face as she slinked up to the podium said it all.

Surullian , Josh Willink Report

Final score:

226points

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BluEyedSeoulite 1 year ago

That's just mean

350points

DennyS (denzoren) 1 year ago (edited)

Agreed. One of the reasons I'm never keen on going to a school reunion...too judgy.

47points

tw 72 1 year ago

Some high school sh!t just never stops

12points

Darkest Argentum 1 year ago

I remember hearring a simmilar story where they gave out an award for the oldest kid and the quiet girl had a like a 11 year old at their 10th reunion turned our she was more active then the class party girl

2points

Anne McKinney 1 year ago

Seems some of the bullies in high school never outgrew it.

1point

liyanee 1 year ago

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HelluvaHedgehogAlien 1 year ago

That is an a*****e move to announce that to everyone

30points

Passerby 1 year ago

I know she already looked bad for having 4 kids with different guys, but there was no need to call that out especially. I would give the organizers awards for the biggest noses of all. Their noses were so big that they couldn't help parking their noses in other people's business.

29points

Shyla Bouche 1 year ago

How many of the men there had had sex with more than one woman? Oh wait, no way to tell. Bad, bad woman! Those kids are worse than a scarlet letter.

16points

WonderWoman 1 year ago

Bullies in *adult* form. No thanks, anyone who thinks that is funny is in fact a bully.

24points

Stacia 1 year ago

That's mean and nobody's business

15points

BSDetect 1 year ago

To me this means she decided to go through with her pregnancies, and raise her children. How many of the men would do this under the same set of circumstances? Shame on people for trying to embarrass her. She sounds like she has her priorities straight.

12points

ChestRockwell24 1 year ago

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meowi.anne 1 year ago

That's just adult bullying. I would not have gone up.

11points

TeaAndWhimsy 1 year ago

She could be the best mother to those kids and just bad at picking men, but they could also all be amazing fathers - wow some high school kids never grow up out of their cliques hey? Why not best mother award? And celebrate her great kids...

9points

Jodie daubenmire 1 year ago

Small Town mentality..we are bored, some one will pay for it!! Not home sick..ever.

8points

royal_antelope 1 year ago

Shaming women for their decisions is just a sh!tty move.

7points

Burnt Bagel 1 year ago

There are so many reasons why I would never, ever go to any kind of reunion. I freaking hated high school!

7points

Sarah SH 1 year ago

Why announce the four different guys part? I hate it when woman are labeled as trashy when they have had kids with more than one man.

6points

Seabeast 1 year ago

So they never outgrew the bullying.

5points

SlothyK8 1 year ago

At the one and only reunion I attended, they asked whose children were the oldest. It sucked because teen pregnancy was a big deal when I was in high school and this was an obvious attempt to re-shame women who'd already been treated horribly. I never went to another one.

5points

Cpt. Robert Christian 1 year ago

Someone should have got throatpunched for that.

3points

Dee 1 year ago

Reunions: Still trying to relive those "glory days" where you peaked in life. 🤣

3points

Jaydon 1 year ago

Wow that's on a whole new level of being condescending to people... The reason's why she had 4 kids with different men is none of their en business for one... And two, who are they to judge with such cruelty when they clearly don't know her at all. Such sad cruel cowards.... How void someone's life most be to do this to someone. Sigh

2points

David 1 year ago

We voted for a few titles by table. At my 40th HS reunion my table voted me "most changed". P sure it was because in HS I was skinny and muscular and at some point I became old and fat. Yay! Thanks for reminding me my body has gone to total S since HS. I did get a coffee cup out of the deal. lol

2points

Bubbles and sparks 1 year ago

This... why should any woman be belittled for the fact she has multiple babies by multiple men? It's her life, she made the choice to have her kids, nothing to be ashamed about. If that was me being there at that time, they would've heard some noise... this is bullying and it's not acceptable.

1point

nooneimportant 1 year ago

you can take the kids out of high school, but the high school never leaves

1point

Casey Payne 1 year ago

That really sounds like a real charming high school. Y'all sound like the experts of stomping people's egos into the dirt for fun and profit. What were the other awards? 'Worst Loser', 'Turned out Gay', 'OMG You're Still Alive?,' 'Told you so', or 'Ha Ha Ha'. Did anyone make it to the 20th reunion?

1point

Whitefox 1 year ago

Sounds like the mean girls made up the award categories.

1point

Erica Politica 1 year ago

And I thought the Dundies were bad.

1point

Beatrice Fairchild 1 year ago

To be fair, I had 4 kids by 24.

0points

Celtic Pirate Queen 1 year ago (edited)

My former employer hired a new receptionist/ assistant without me even meeting her. She was 21, had 3 kids by 3 different guys and had already filed bankruptcy. She lasted all of 3 days.

0points

Doug Parsons 1 year ago

wow

0points

Riley Quinn 1 year ago

Mean girls still being mean all those years later.

0points

RandomPanda001 1 year ago

Whomever thought up that award was not using their brain. Embarrassing.

0points

ReginaC 1 year ago

Ahhhhh, HS mentaloty, another reason NOT to go!

0points

Laurie B 1 year ago

This is awful. And grown up adult people acting like mean teenagers is cringe

0points

Millicent Bystander 1 year ago

Cruel.

0points

shawna Reich 1 year ago

MEAN but it sounds like the Dundee Awards... (will anyone get that ref?) lol

0points

Terry Mahlon 1 year ago

High school all over again. I had a few friends my age but mostly my friends were a grade ahead. My classmates apparently decided I was conceited because I didn’t go to any events and didn’t play any sports. It was because of my dads work schedule and what we did to accommodate him since he was working so hard for our family ! My class instead of ever learning about me decided to vote me most conceited. And then as a cherry on top most arrogant. Smh.

0points

JaimeeJames WD 1 year ago

People who go to high school reunions often have a hard time letting go of that high school mentality imho.

0points

Claire Bear 1 year ago

What awful people. One wonders what their secrets are

0points

Dr. N 1 year ago

Ngl it is not great that she has 4 different men for her kids. But that's no reason to make her feel uncomfortable like that

0points

backatya 1 year ago

must have been awarded most successful s**t

-1point

Lady of the Mountains 1 year ago

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ChestRockwell24 1 year ago

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Lynette Vella 1 year ago

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Kezza 1 year ago

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ChestRockwell24 1 year ago

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Bubbles and sparks 1 year ago

Good grief... Reading these comments makes me think that there is little difference between an amoeba and you guys, such nasty remarks...

1point

Martocci explained to us that public ridicule is “the same power-play that bullies used in the hallways, cafeterias, and buses all those years ago.” Your former classmates whom you meet at the reunion might bully/try to embarrass you or someone else because they want popularity, respect, and social power.

“One way to achieve these ends is to create power imbalances by shaming someone (you!). And, if their ridicule is endorsed by the laughter of others, it is devastating,” she noted that even laughter that might not be intended as cruelty can be devastating. That’s when you should ask yourself how you can interrupt their play for power.

The answer is a straightforward but powerful one: your ‘acceptance’ of the ‘shameful memory that someone’s sharing. “Smile, and laugh along. How can they follow up with some further disparagement if you seem unphased?” Martocci said.

“Think about it this way: how you would feel if someone else were being publicly ridiculed in front of you? Would they seem a loser or a fool for simply shrugging their shoulders over the past? Or would their ‘acceptance’ make the classmate who made the comment seem a bit pathetic?” You don’t necessarily have to smile though. A simple eye-roll or saying ‘whatever’ can stop the conversation.

#10

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened My friend said her cousin's high school reunion was really awkward because this guy ran up and kissed his high school girlfriend without her asking and then got in a fist fight with her husband, did not turn out well from what I hear.

JustaReverseFridge , Ryan Young Report

Final score:

220points

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JoMeBee 1 year ago

Not me, but my sister at 10 year: guy with apparent long-time crush approaches sister, no small talk, just blurts out, "are you married?" "Yes " "Are you happy?" She point at 8+ month pregnant belly. "Oh." And he turns and leaves. Her husband was standing right next to her!!

150points

#11

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened A guy and a gal that never dated in high school, went out to the parking lot and hooked up. 9 months later she had a kid, he denied it was his, paternity test proved it was.

Actionjack7 , Devon Divine Report

Final score:

217points

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Mune 1 year ago

I don't know how guys can outright deny a child is theirs when they know DNA tests exists..

163points

#12

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened Someone made a speech along the lines of, "...to all of those that felt picked on or bullied, I have something to say to you." She then started to sing"Let it go" from Frozen.

feralturtles , Al Elmes Report

Final score:

206points

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Best Behave 1 year ago (edited)

Let me guess, she was the class bully

53points

Martocci explained to Bored Panda exactly what laughing along and ‘owning’ those uncomfortable feelings does. The first thing that happens is that you feel empowered. The social psychologist shared that saying something like, “Ha, yeah, I wouldn’t want that on my highlight reel” can stop your classmate’s power-play.

You can also ‘own’ the awkward memories by admitting that you were whatever they said. Or you can say, “So what? We were all young and did stupid things.” That’ll stop the conversation in its tracks!

The power of humor in these sorts of awkward situations can’t be understated. Martocci pointed out that laughing along with everyone else “gets you beyond social isolation and vulnerability—you are not being laughed at, you are laughing with.”

So you go from awkward, embarrassing, and isolating experiences to taking control of what the events of the past mean. “It seems counter-intuitive to ‘admit’ a weakness, but it is a technique of resistance. You don’t allow the arrow to hit its mark,” she said.

#13

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened Two of our classmates passed away before our five year reunion. One of the girls organizing the event thought it would be a good idea to make cardboard cutouts of their faces, as if “they were truly still here with us.” The worst part was that people got drunk and started toting them around, taking pictures with them. It was f****d up.

greenVneck , Michael Discenza Report

Final score:

199points

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Lord Mysticlaw 1 year ago

Five year reunion? Five years isn't long enough to want to see people from school again... you need at least 10 years to forget how much you hated them.

301points

#14

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened Oh, MY time to shine! The beautiful cheerleader twins got SO wasted at our 20th reunion one of them puked on the table and the other got so drunk she fell out of the photo booth. Their daughters had to carry them out.

FROCKbFINE , Kevin Grieve Report

Final score:

192points

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Paulo Freitas 1 year ago (edited)

Well.... Puking on the table can happen to any One..... ( Especially if you're on your 4th " boiler maker " and your friend makes you laugh uncontrolably.... )

49points

#15

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened The whole thing was just awkward, people were trying to show how much more 'successful' they are than everybody else, some even going so far as asking people what their salaries were.

I skipped out early and never went to the following ones.

Reapr , freestocks Report

Final score:

183points

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Lord Mysticlaw 1 year ago

I know at least 1 person I went to high school with who would 100% do that. We used to be friends, that ended when I got tired of how he always needed to put other people down to feel better about himself.

79points

“If you are not embarrassed/shamed, you control the narrative around the incident. You refuse to be a character—e.g. a fool or a loser—in their story. Your response decides how it will be interpreted—and you will be seen—going forward,” she told Bored Panda.

It’s hard to laugh at yourself and to practice ‘owning it’ at first because it feels like you’ll be inviting further ridicule down the line. However, that’s not the case. Martocci suggested trying the approach: “It is both uncomfortable and liberating.”

“Owning it and laughing along ‘puts the ball back in their court.’ Shrugging your shoulders and laughing along, while commenting ‘god you’re such a jerk for remembering that,’ dispels the social discomfort—it turns the awkwardness back on the former classmate who tried to embarrass you,” the social psychologist noted that the best defense is a good offense.

#16

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened When my lady teacher came up to me, kissed me on the cheek and told me she loved me. She was very drunk. I felt very awkward.

smanbot , RODNAE Productions Report

Final score:

182points

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Paulo Freitas 1 year ago

That means nothing lol, my BIL, late father loved everyone when he was drunk, men, women, the dog, the cat, that man loved everyone lol, my late father on the otherhand, was an abusive prick when he was drunk.

91points

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

See Also on Bored Panda

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#17

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened My 10 yr HS reunion was last year (technically 11yr, graduated in ‘06). Anyways, a bunch of us girls planned it and I had the idea to dig through some old school stuff from MS/HS. So I did, and found some old year books ranging from 5th grade up to senior year. So I brought them with and we were all sitting around looking at them (probably about 40-50 people showed up) when people started coming up to me pointing out things I had written in the year books. I failed to look at these books before I brought them and I apparently had wrote ALL OVER so many people that I hated in middle school. It was horrible. All I could do was apologize and tell them I was apparently a raging b***h in middle school. It was bad.

marafred13 , Josh Davis Report

Final score:

181points

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Anyone-for-tea? 1 year ago

I do wonder that sometimes when I think about how awful some people were to me during primary and high school, maybe they just didn’t realise? And if that’s true, maybe I said something horrible too? I was very shy so I don’t think so, but goes to show you never know.

69points

#18

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened My mom’s 35th high school reunion was at a bar that I frequent quite a bit... I walked in with my mom and went up to a bartender that I know to order a drink for my mom and I. He looked up at my mother and I and immediately got super shy and weird and then said, YOURE THE DAUGHTER OF (my mom’s name)???

Apparently he had a huge crush on my mom in high school and my uncle beat the s**t out of him because he creeped my mom out.

Very awkward indeed.

merkmill , John Fornander Report

Final score:

179points

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Mune 1 year ago

good uncle good

45points

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

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“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

It’s natural that we want to impress other people. Human beings are social animals, and reputation means a lot. We want to be loved, respected, and adored! It’s a very natural desire. So when we fall short of the expectations that others have for us (or the expectations that we imagine they have), we can feel uncomfortable. As though we’ve failed or let somebody down.

This might explain why some people put on fancy clothes and boast so much at school reunions. They might be presenting a slightly better version of their life because they want to leave a good impression. Ironically, most people care so much about what others think of them that they don’t focus all that much on how their former classmates are doing in life. Oh, we definitely judge others, but we tend to care more about how others might perceive us. We’re sometimes our very worst critics even if we might be doing perfectly fine.

People judge others automatically for a wide range of reasons. For example, this helps us understand ourselves better in relation to others: we start working out where we fit in, in society; we reevaluate our ambitions and aspirations while figuring out what kind of future we’d like to avoid. Others might judge people to feel better about their lives by positioning themselves as ‘superior’ to others. Others still judge in order to fit in. Meanwhile, some individuals have a hard time coming to terms with their flaws and mistakes, so they attack others as a defensive reaction.

#19

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened People coming up to me asking me what's up and seem to know a whole deal about me while I have no memory of who they are at all.

RubyWhiteArt , cottonbro studio Report

Final score:

173points

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Mune 1 year ago

Ok, Mr. Popular

69points

FakeNewsLiveUpdate , Andre Revilo Report

#20

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened I was there with a guy friend when he saw his ex. They approached each other - him going in for a hug and her extending her hand to shake. When they each realized what the other was doing, she put her arms out for a hug, and he extended his hand to shake. By the time they touched, it was just a jumble of hands and arms weirdly touching each other.

He started by saying, “Sooooo...how have you been?” I just said, “Uhhh, excuse me...” and got the hell away from them.

Final score:

160points

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Yayheterogeneity 1 year ago

This for once is cute and funny. And awkward.

119points

#21

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened At my 10th (year) HS reunion, a guy I hated and who hated me showed up and came directly toward me. Not saying anything at all to me he then engaged the person standing right next to me on my left. He proceeded to move around the room talking to literally everyone there (only 33 people in my class), and stopping with the person on my right. Didn’t so much as acknowledge my existence the whole rest of the day. It was super weird at the time, but many years later it was the most memorable thing that happened. I laugh about it now.

Edited to clarify 10 year reunion.

otterdisaster , Antenna Report

Final score:

139points

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Anyone-for-tea? 1 year ago

That’s a lot of energy to waste on his part, sounds very childish!

119points

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

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French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

Used mindfully, judging others can help us stay aligned with our values and be more self-aware of how we fit into society. What you want to avoid is passing judgment on people as a way to hurt them or as a means to avoid thinking about your own mistakes.

Some of the best things that teachers can do to help their students achieve their potential are to support and encourage them throughout their time in school, while also providing them with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills. Something else that can help immensely is when educators provide their students with access to their professional networks. This can help them get started with university applications or take their very first steps on their career paths. A little bit of help goes a long way.

#22

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened 5 year reunion, took my husband. Guy who liked me freshman year (then never talked civilly to me again) told me he was going to die alone and unloved behind a dumpster. Note: He had been a popular football player, I was a social outcast.

kjbrasda , Start Digital Report

Final score:

130points

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OnAFreakingRollercoaster 1 year ago

Funny how life does twists and turns innit

64points

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

See Also on Bored Panda

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#23

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened At our 15th they asked, then gave out prizes for the person who'd traveled the farthest to attend, traveled the least far to attend, had the newest car, the oldest car, the youngest child . . . The look on the MC's face when he realized what asking for the oldest child would mean . . .

anon , Priscilla Du Preez Report

Final score:

126points

POST

James Frail 1 year ago

So? Without more detail, this means nothing. Is the oldest 12? No scandal there. And if someone did have a teenage pregnancy, everyone already knows. At its worst, it's just digging up old gossip.

84points

#24

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened I went with my wife to her reunion. I may have had one or three before arriving, and when I got there I remembered hearing a story of a guy who was my wife's 3rd grade boyfriend. Later in life he had a rough time of things--drugs, alcohol, run-ins with the law, etc.

As a joke, I wrote his name on my name badge and went about my business. Not long after, a rather strong and stocky woman turned around, looked at me, then at my name tag. When she saw the name she looked up at me, screamed excitedly as loud as I've ever heard, bear-hugged me while lifting me off the ground, and bit my neck. No blood, but decent bruise.

Doc-in-a-box , Jon Tyson Report

Final score:

125points

POST

OnAFreakingRollercoaster 1 year ago

Kinky

51points

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

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Odds are that some of the people from your school will have made it big. (If that’s you, dear Pandas, congratulations! We’re happy for you.) Maybe they’ve started up their own business. Perhaps they’re a celebrity known around the world. Or they might have traveled the world, become renowned writers, musicians, or artists, or been to space. Or all of that put together.

When meeting up with them at your school reunion, try to avoid being starstruck. Be yourself because they’re looking for a bit of normality in their lives, since they’re usually in the spotlight. Compliment their work and have fun.

It’s impossible to say with certainty who’s going to become famous and successful for sure, however, there are some early indicators that can help you figure out which of your school friends has the biggest chance. Charisma, perseverance and resilience, diligence and self-discipline, conscientiousness—these are all character traits that matter far more than raw intelligence. Personality, how you relate to others, and how well you bounce back from failure are all essential to success.

Remember that it’s never too late to aim for your goals. Your school days might be behind you, but you’ve got the rest of your life in front of you to make your dreams and ambitions come true.

#25

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened The lighting was dim, we were old, and some nitwit decided to let people scrawl their own name tags which then hung on lanyards at crotch level. Nobody could hear anything over the snot-nose DJ blasting “Eye of the Tiger” and trying to figure out who you were talking to was pretty awkward.

jobrody , MART PRODUCTION Report

Final score:

119points

POST

Jennifer Finch 1 year ago

This is gold, lol

41points

#26

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened Got invited by Facebook message (we’re not friends on fb) by one of the girls who made pretty much the whole time I was there a living hell. Didn’t attend obviously, because everyone I wanted to keep in touch with I did - but got a “aw sorry we missed you hun, we should do lunch soon!” message.

But, why? Selective memory, orrrrr?

jinxsays , Eric Ward Report

Final score:

114points

POST

AndThenICommented 1 year ago

She was going to invite OP to join her very fun, totally self employed, opportunity. You know, the one where you recruit and earn from your downline 👎 🫣😱

97points

#27

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened The captain of the football team was a pretty sad sight. He looked like hell and was so proud of sneaking booze in with his flask.

I mean, it was a cash bar but the prices were reasonable…

lorum_ipsum_dolor , C MA Report

Final score:

110points

POST

tw 72 1 year ago

Some people peak in high school and never get any better

41points

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

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Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

#28

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened I went to my wife's last reunion a few months ago. The day of the reunion she got a call that it was cancelled. Apparently, five years earlier a classmate got creepy and stalkery with another classmate. The people organizing the reunion invited him not to show up. Then the guy posted on facebook some vague threats. They did actually change the venue and have the reunion, but there were many people that couldn't be contacted with the updated info.

weedful_things , Tevin Trinh Report

Final score:

107points

POST

S 1 year ago

Why couldn't they be contacted anymore..?

22points

#29

29 People Who Actually Went To Their High School Reunions Share The Most Awkward Thing That Happened At my 10 year reunion it was more everyone getting really pissed. At the 20th there were a few people seemingly bitter at those who had done pretty well in life, odd really

BadDiplomat , Benjamin Rascoe Report

Final score:

101points

POST

FakeOptimist 1 year ago

When I got an invite, I didn't go just because I was not in a good place in my life. Maybe he should have stayed at home too.

32points

Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

Read less »

I am a Visual editor at Bored Panda, I'm determined to find the most interesting and the best quality images for each post that I do. On my free time I like to unwind by doing some yoga, watching all kinds of movies/tv shows, playing video and board games or just simply hanging out with my cat

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What do you think ?

POST

Enlee Jones 1 year ago

The best thing about high school was leaving. Never been to a reunion and never will.

56points

Seabeast 1 year ago

Same. Most of those people wouldn't give me the time of day back then, why waste a weekend catching up with them?

8points

Craig Reynolds 1 year ago

The only HS reunion I ever went to was my wife's 50th because it was in Beijing. It was awesome. I'd go again, but you couldn't pay me to ever go to one of mine.

7points

Jean Jacket 1 year ago

Agreed! I kept the few that I wanted to and the rest can p**s off.

4points

Yaya Sorensen 1 year ago

Amen

0points

Monday 1 year ago

Posts like these almost make me wish our high school did reunions just so I could see the chaos....but then I realize I don't even remember 90% of the people I went to high school with so they could be standing right in front of me and I wouldn't know :/

22points

Pheebs 1 year ago

Lol. Same. I still live in the town I graduated from, and I’ve run in to people from HS who recognized me, but I had zero clue who they were. Even worked it’s someone whose husband was in my year, and I didn’t know who they were. Didn’t help my class had almost 500 students in it.

8points

KombatBunni 1 year ago

Didn’t go to any of my HS reunions. That’s one part of my life I’d like to forget. Mind you, rocking up to at least one in full goth gear might have freaked some of them out..

14points

Erik Ivan 1 year ago

Why in the world would anyone want to go to a reunion? I mean, I finally got rid of those horrible kids that bullied me. I have no need to ever see them again.

7points

Ms A 1 year ago

It’s quite cathartic to witness those that bullied you look like old, washed up hookers and broken former jocks that still think they’re great while back living with their parents, get trashed and falling all over because they peaked in HS. I loathed HS, but thoroughly enjoyed my 20 year reunion.

2points

Tiny Dancer 1 year ago

Most interesting person at my high school ('80s) turned out to be a serial rapist and murderer, so, yeah, you can keep your reunions! Seriously would have a hard time remembering anyone else. As others on here say, I was just happy to get out of there alive.

7points

Appalachian Panda 1 year ago

Weird queer nerd that I was (and still am), there are very few people from HS who I have any interest in ever seeing again, and I keep in touch with them on social media, anyway. It's been 30 years and I have been to any reunions.

6points

Appalachian Panda 1 year ago

edit: haven't

5points

Emh 1 year ago

You couldn't pay me to attend a reunion.

5points

Telepathetic 1 year ago

45th was last year but I've Never been to Any----"Ya MoFoes dint like me then....."

5points

Dee 1 year ago

Right? I couldn't attend our 1st reunion, which was the 10 year reunion. A directory was made of all the classmates which included names, addresses and phone numbers and sent to everyone. That's right, not one person contacted me. I get the message.

6points

Zephyr343 1 year ago

My high school sent a reunion reminder to my friend that changed schools in 10th grade. I didn't get one even though I graduated. Not like I would have gone anyway.

3points

Mune 1 year ago

I don't understand the deal with reunions. Accidentally running across your high school fellows on FB and stalking their account for two minutes to see they have a somewhat decent job and three bratty-looking kids and a perpetually angry wife is enough.

3points

Suzy Creamcheese 1 year ago

I've been to two high school reunions since 1970, and that was enough. My 50 year reunion was cancelled due to Covid, and although I did kind of want to go to that one, I really wasn't terribly disappointed.

3points

Cyber Returns 1 year ago (edited)

The first ever school reunion for my high school didn't even make it beyond the planning stage. The idea was posted on Facebook and people eagerly agreed. While looking for a venue, it turned out some spin off Facebook groups had been created where former students were planning to beat the living daylights out of former bullies, nerds, weirdos etc. Further digging revealed it would be starting world war 3 as they stopped counting revenge groups when they reached 57 and saw more groups. There was a lot of hate at my school

3points

Dee 1 year ago

OMG! You dodged a nightmare!

2points

Katie Lutesinger 1 year ago (edited)

At my ten year reunion I found out that for some damn reason half the girls from my year had become physical therapists. And the boy who was known for being an entertaining showoff was now a bigshot TV producer. As for me, I contented myself with impressing people by doing my party trick: opening beer bottles with my teeth. Unfortunately one former classmate was also my dentist's eldest daughter, and you bet she threatened to tell her Dad. XD

3points

Sleepflower 1 year ago

Going to a school reunion is my personal nightmare. Why would I care? They were d***s to me.

2points

Fickle_Pickle 1 year ago

I’ve never been to any reunion, be it school or family. I don’t see the point of faking it around people that were mean to me. It’s exhausting having to fake a smile and appear interested to talk to them. I’d rather be home, curl up on my couch, watch tv or read a book while cuddling with husband, kids or dogs.

1point

Mari 1 year ago

I've never been to a reunion, I don't want to see those people again. I didn't like them in HS, why would I want to see them back?

1point

Birb 1 year ago

Never had a reunion. I was bullied at school, every day was hard, everytime i thought, What now?

1point

ZombieGirl 1 year ago

My school sucked and didn't have anything planned for my 10th year reunion. Some random girl (I don't mean that in a mean way at all) planned a get together at a restaurant but only a couple people showed up. Next year is my 20th and I seriously doubt anything will be planned at all lol

1point

Yaya Sorensen 1 year ago

Why would you want to see any of those people who couldn't be bothered to keep in touch, let alone even remember that you existed.

0points

Momica98 1 year ago

My now-husband and I graduated together, so every day is like a mini high school reunion.😂 Seriously, though. We didn't go to the 10th because I was recovering from emergency surgery. The 20th never happened because of Covid. Nothing else has been planned. We did see a lot of classmates at a funeral of another classmate a few months ago, to give you some perspective.

0points

Elec Aire 1 year ago

I'm not on Facebook, my twin brother admitted he purposely didn't tell me about the reunion so I didn't go and he'd be there without me.

0points

Wondering Alice 1 year ago

Not a reunion, but i was in a bar with some friends and a girl i had hardly known came over to sort of fake appologise for being a b***h to me. She went on to rather nastily tell my friends about the time she had written invites to her 16th birthday party for every single person in our year - except me. One of my friends had been at school with us, she laughed her head off. I'd not really had much to do with many kids in school, and turns out this girl had made a massive deal about it at the time, but i had not noticed. Still can't get my head around how I - a timid little loner who kept to myself - managed to be so hated by someone i didn't know. So strange.

0points

DS Mom 1 year ago

Never graduated so I have never been invited to any reunion. My friend from high-school asked if I was going to the last one. Ummm... Nope

0points

Catherine Spencer-Mills 1 year ago

My 50th was a few years ago. I didn't go. I didn't go to any of the previous ones. I likely won't go to any in the future.

0points

Viv Hart 1 year ago

Had a wonderful 50th Anniv. Reunion of our Graduation Class, where I met the guy on whom I'd had a huge secret crush; I was very bashful. He remembered me, gave me a super hug, we have been great email friends for 10 years, now. He also knows about the crush now, very touched when I confessed to it.

0points

Spudrump Jaymartinstein 1 year ago

I agree with Stephen King when he said "I don't trust anyone who says they liked going to school."

0points

Stephen Price 1 year ago

was bullied in school almost from day one. The best day of my life was graduation when I finally never had to see any of those stuck up pricks again! Then I get calls and invites over the years to come to the reunions at the country clubs and on the cruises they liked to take. I knew they only wanted me there to again be the butt of their jokes and be humiliated. I never even politely declined just hung up on them. Finally after 30 plus years they stopped calling and sending invites.

0points

Bégódzig 1 year ago

Worked on the family farm before and after school. Went to school to rest 😃. No real school friends or activities. Nobody's fault just too damn busy to fool around. No reason to go back to see people I didn't know that well to begin with.

0points

Beruthiel45 1 year ago

I'm in a different continent so reunion time would be a legitimate sorry I can't make it event. My year group are all 78 and most of us kept in touch with our best friends or those we still lived near to and we have no tradition of reunions anyway in our "not America" country. They sound like something I'd avoid like the plague. Rather like other traditions such as being inducted into phi beta whatsits. To each his own, one man's meat etc.

0points

Junior Farrell 1 year ago

I am in 10th grade and home schooled. I can't have a high school reunion because my older brother is 5 years older than me and even if he were it really would be a high school reunion.

0points

Nicoll Cope 1 year ago

Our 20th was a couple years ago, and the failed actor turned hometown scammer decided to plan it. He shorted the restaurant we held it at, so as a class, we're not allowed back. He has an investigation into his scams by the local cops and he's calling himself an author now, but he legit self published two horribly written books on Amazon that no one buys (one is even free, and it's still down at the very bottom of the rankings). He's making less than $1/year from his book sales. He has multiple lawsuits against him as well. I think it's hilarious because of course he was also the bully who thought they were better than everyone else in school.

0points

steampunk dandelion 1 year ago

I know I'd never get an invite to my high school's reunion because I purposely cut all ties and don't have a social media presence with my birth name, but man, the way I wish I could roll up to a reunion in my wheelchair with a "told you so" look on my face. (I was bullied quite a bit for the weird way I walked and ran)

0points

Channo Sagara 1 year ago (edited)

The best thing about high school is we were young and stupid. Now that we're not young and slightly less stupid, there's not much in there. I stay in touch with my real friends anyway, the rest can f**k off.

0points

I'm bad at nicknames 1 year ago

My 10 year ended up being at a dive bar 2 towns over. I have tattoos (they weren't as prevalent then) and a classmate's husband is a tattooer and he thought I was the coolest person ever. He wouldn't stop talking to me about how he won't tattoo a penis because he isn't gay (he used an offensive word). The cool kids were still too cool for everyone else. There are a few people I'd like to see again so maybe I'll go to the 20 year in a few months.

0points

steampunk dandelion 1 year ago

imagine having such fragile heterosexuality that you can't even tattoo a penis without feeling gay 😩 sounds like someone's got some introspection to do

0points

Rachel King 1 year ago

I was invited to my 20 year high school reunion, I wish I had replied I would rather cut my hands and stick them in lemon juice as it would be much less painful 😜. I didn’t go

0points

Marian Moore 1 year ago

I went to my 20th and decided I would never go to another one. Boring and besides I hated HS and somehow managed to graduate. Never missed one person that went to school with me, and I am sure they didn't miss me either...LOL

0points

Natalie Westby 1 year ago

I've never been to a reunion, and I never will. I was relentlessly bullied in high school. I was a nerdy kid I'd say. I loved reading and I pretty much kept to myself. I had no friends and no one wanted to be seen talking with me. I get upset every time I think about what I went through. I know that it's been 20 years but, those wounds are still raw.

0points

Fricsmom 1 year ago

I graduated with over 900 students. I’ve never been to a reunion and I live in the city our school is in. The 2 or 3 people I was friends with I still keep in touch.

0points

Roald 1 year ago

Went to one. People's faces don't change. Only older and fatter.

0points

Shaun Coleman 1 year ago

High school was sheer hell. Lord of the Flies sort of hell. I have gone on to become reasonably successful and many of the people had the high point of their lives in high school. It is sad. Don't do reunions. Went to a small town high school where they were a bunch of small town people with small minds. It's been 40 years and never looked back.

0points

Scott Rackley 1 year ago

Went to 20th, didn't recognize anyone. They all recognized me though, really awkward kinda thing. First and last.

0points

GadgetGirl 1 year ago

There are only two people from high school I care about. I married one of them. My friend said it best though: Why would I want to pay to get dressed up and spend time around a bunch of people I couldn't wait to get away from when I could spend half that and have a party with my friends?

0points

Kyndal T 1 year ago

I got an email saying my husband and I (if we were still married, otherwise give them his email) weren't invited to any HS reunions. Unprompted. Didn't even know those a-holes had my email.

0points

Rachel King 1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

-1point

Queenie G 1 year ago

I didn't go to my 10 year. I went to my 20 and the first night was terrific. We had a cocktail get together. Relaxed, enjoyable, perfect! Went the second night and it sucked. Fast forward to 30 years. I learned from my 20 year and just attended the first night. Heard the second night was even better. Coming up on my 40, I am attending the whole thing. The older you get, the better your classmates get. (I was not popular in school and dislike most of my classmates)

-1point

POST

Enlee Jones 1 year ago

The best thing about high school was leaving. Never been to a reunion and never will.

56points

Seabeast 1 year ago

Same. Most of those people wouldn't give me the time of day back then, why waste a weekend catching up with them?

8points

Craig Reynolds 1 year ago

The only HS reunion I ever went to was my wife's 50th because it was in Beijing. It was awesome. I'd go again, but you couldn't pay me to ever go to one of mine.

7points

Jean Jacket 1 year ago

Agreed! I kept the few that I wanted to and the rest can p**s off.

4points

Yaya Sorensen 1 year ago

Amen

0points

Monday 1 year ago

22points

Pheebs 1 year ago

8points

KombatBunni 1 year ago

Didn’t go to any of my HS reunions. That’s one part of my life I’d like to forget. Mind you, rocking up to at least one in full goth gear might have freaked some of them out..

14points

Erik Ivan 1 year ago

Why in the world would anyone want to go to a reunion? I mean, I finally got rid of those horrible kids that bullied me. I have no need to ever see them again.

7points

Ms A 1 year ago

2points

Tiny Dancer 1 year ago

7points

Appalachian Panda 1 year ago

6points

Appalachian Panda 1 year ago

edit: haven't

5points

Emh 1 year ago

You couldn't pay me to attend a reunion.

5points

Telepathetic 1 year ago

45th was last year but I've Never been to Any----"Ya MoFoes dint like me then....."

5points

Dee 1 year ago

6points

Zephyr343 1 year ago

My high school sent a reunion reminder to my friend that changed schools in 10th grade. I didn't get one even though I graduated. Not like I would have gone anyway.

3points

Mune 1 year ago

3points

Suzy Creamcheese 1 year ago

3points

Cyber Returns 1 year ago (edited)

3points

Dee 1 year ago

OMG! You dodged a nightmare!

2points

Katie Lutesinger 1 year ago (edited)

3points

Sleepflower 1 year ago

Going to a school reunion is my personal nightmare. Why would I care? They were d***s to me.

2points

Fickle_Pickle 1 year ago

1point

Mari 1 year ago

I've never been to a reunion, I don't want to see those people again. I didn't like them in HS, why would I want to see them back?

1point

Birb 1 year ago

Never had a reunion. I was bullied at school, every day was hard, everytime i thought, What now?

1point

ZombieGirl 1 year ago

1point

Yaya Sorensen 1 year ago

Why would you want to see any of those people who couldn't be bothered to keep in touch, let alone even remember that you existed.

0points

Momica98 1 year ago

0points

Elec Aire 1 year ago

I'm not on Facebook, my twin brother admitted he purposely didn't tell me about the reunion so I didn't go and he'd be there without me.

0points

Wondering Alice 1 year ago

0points

DS Mom 1 year ago

Never graduated so I have never been invited to any reunion. My friend from high-school asked if I was going to the last one. Ummm... Nope

0points

Catherine Spencer-Mills 1 year ago

My 50th was a few years ago. I didn't go. I didn't go to any of the previous ones. I likely won't go to any in the future.

0points

Viv Hart 1 year ago

0points

Spudrump Jaymartinstein 1 year ago

I agree with Stephen King when he said "I don't trust anyone who says they liked going to school."

0points

Stephen Price 1 year ago

0points

Bégódzig 1 year ago

0points

Beruthiel45 1 year ago

0points

Junior Farrell 1 year ago

I am in 10th grade and home schooled. I can't have a high school reunion because my older brother is 5 years older than me and even if he were it really would be a high school reunion.

0points

Nicoll Cope 1 year ago

0points

steampunk dandelion 1 year ago

0points

Channo Sagara 1 year ago (edited)

0points

I'm bad at nicknames 1 year ago

0points

steampunk dandelion 1 year ago

imagine having such fragile heterosexuality that you can't even tattoo a penis without feeling gay 😩 sounds like someone's got some introspection to do

0points