Things not to say at your 40-year Reunion – a request / reminder.
1. “Wait… you’re still alive? I thought you were dead.”
Even if it’s coming from a place of surprise and delight. Just… don’t.
2. “You haven’t changed a bit!”
Unless someone arrived in a Delorean, you’re probably lying.
3. “You’ve changed the most since high school.”
The fastest way to go from “kind of a jerk” to “absolute legend” (in the worst way).
4. “So… HOW many times have you been married?”
Asking for a friend? No? Still no.
5. “Hey, do you still do that weird thing with your laugh/snort/walk/face?”
We were kids. Please stop talking.
6. “Hey, you look just like your mom/dad did back in high school!”
Congratulations. You’ve now ruined the vibe and possibly started a therapy arc.
7. “Didn’t you used to be… thinner?” or “What happened to your hair?”
Yes, I used to be thinner and had more hair. And you used to be tolerable.
8. “Whatever happened to what’s-her/his-name… the one you were cheating with?”
Go ahead, bring the popcorn. This one’s going nuclear.
9. “I still can’t believe you made it.”
Backhanded compliments are still just… slaps.
10. “You know, I never liked you back then.” or “You were always so mean to me.”
Well, this isn’t the time to start your redemption arc, Regina George.
The bottom line is that we’re all a lot older and our looks have changed, we all did things we’re not proud of, and we’ve all had family / life issues to deal with. So, please keep your comments about appearances, life expectations and achievements, stupid behavior, and relationships to yourself.
We’re all lucky to still be here, so please try to enjoy the company of your fellow classmates and simply try to be a nice to each other. I’m, personally, still dealing with things that certain people said to me at our 10, 20, and 30 year reunions. Thank you.