I attended my 5-year high school reunion tonight, which was a very surreal experience. I tried to go there with an open mind, that 5 years was a long time, that the judgements I had made in high school may no longer be valid, and to expect to be surprised.
I was. I saw people who wouldn't normally have socialised at school mingle and chat. I was able to connect with people I barely spoke to at school, and found people striving for the same change as I.
There were people who hadn't changed. The same cliques existed. Some people behaved exactly as they had back at school. Two people independently questioned whether it was because that was how they normally acted, or if they were reverting to their behaviour because of the atmosphere, because of the routine and familiarity of the school group.
At first, I was pretty apprehensive about going to the reunion, but I'm happy I went. The few meaningful conversations I had show how much people can change in 5 years, how judgements and reputations obscure people's true nature, and how old friendships can be restored over some reminiscing and drinks.
Good times.
