In a Family Way
High School Reunions Are The Pits.
By A-town Gal
Aug 25, 2003, 16:27

The blackout on the east coast should have been an omen about attending my husband's 45th high school reunion, but what the heck. How bad could it be?

I should start at the beginning and tell you I am five years younger than my husband and come from a big city. He on the other hand comes from farm country and a small, but close knit, high school. His high school excitement consisted of how much weight he could lose during wrestling season and kissing a girl in the school play. When Elvis was shaking it up and the Beatles were popular he was listening to the Kay Keiser Band and Frankie Yankovich. Yes, he missed a whole era of great music and pop cultural. I on the other hand bought all the 45's I could get my hands on and attended Friday night canteen dances.

Over the years I have tried to bring my hubby up to date with that generation gap he missed. I can honestly say I have succeeded even if he still doesn't know all the current songsters. How can I know of this success? It was the 45th high school reunion that turned the bright light on and proved my point. Looking and listening to all the old farts who attended this reunion I can honestly say I have the youngest looking and acting classmate that was there.
Being the spouse of the H.S. classmate I could sit back and just listen to all the questions asked and lauds that were raised. I kept saying to myself, "who cares". It's the one person who asks all the questions while scanning the room to see a more viable subject who is willing to spu out all the information requested but not saying anything.

Forty-five years after walking away from graduation day I doubt there was one person there who would be a current friend today. These are acquaintances, all strangers with lives that have been made over the years not necessary coinciding with ours. People that were kids then and old people now with the common bonding being a graduation day.

It isn't so much trying to be what we're not, nor is it acting an age we no longer are. It is how you carry yourself, present yourself to others and have the communication skills that permit listening rather than expelling a litany of "how great thou art". Yes, I will gripe and complain about attending high school reunions. But should my sweetie choose to go to his 50th, God willing I'll be there next to him smiling with a drink in my hand.

NO, I will no longer attend any of my high school reunions but will still keep in touch with those friends who have remained friends over the years.