2023-09-14 20:54:40
“Life is like a box of chocolates,” says Forrest Gump’s mother, “you never know what you’re going to get.” Class reunions are the same.
With the “It’s nice to see you again” joy or the “If no one’s looking, I’ll be gone again” panic – depending on how you experienced your school days – as a gauntlet or as an adventure playground.
Everything compares
As a popular class leader like Angela Merkel, who just celebrated 50 years of high school graduation with a steamboat trip, or as someone like me, who was always chosen last in dodgeball. My high school diploma was 3.5, ten years later I managed to get a permanent position as an editor, but my little pride at the class reunion quickly evaporated, I was the only one without a husband and children at the time.
Class reunions can be brutal because comparisons are made mercilessly.
From what you used to be when you were at school to what you have to offer now. In appearance, in family status, in career.
A friend who used to be super slim started dieting as soon as she was invited to the 25th class reunion. “I can’t stand the idea of someone saying: I didn’t recognize you at all.”
50 years ago: Merkel (second row) and her classmates in front of the Templin Extended High School
Photo: Bernd Gurlt/dpa
also read
Grown old?
Secret glee when the cool guy with the curly mane, whose “you’re out of my league” arrogance was so irresistible and heartbreaking, has become a mid-level civil servant with a belly and a fringe of hair. Life can be so fair sometimes.
Angela Merkel with her old school friends
Show-offs who used to be the first to drive a moped now park their battered Dacia next to the Porsche Cayenne of the former class loser, whose stuttering and pimples were so easy to gossip about back then.
With the words: “Man, you’ve all gotten old,” a former love interest of a friend recently entered the restaurant where 40 years of high school graduation were being celebrated. He was leaning on a walker because he had just gotten his second hip.
Class reunions offer both: insight into our mistakes and weaknesses from before and gratitude for what we have achieved. And for all the delicious chocolates in our lives.
#Fascination #class #reunions #didnt #recognize #Life #Knowledge