REUNIONS DO'S AND DO NOT'S

With reunions upon us, it's time to get prepared for a fun time with old friends and classmates. Here are some do's and do not's you must think about before you attend your next class reunion.

THE DO'S

• Do realize that upon entering the reunion, everyone may have the same thought you are: "How did everyone get so old?" "What do I say?"
• Do copy your reunion information from this web site and email everyone you know reunion information to get more attending.
• Do resume old friendships without blaming each other for not calling or writing. You'll be amazed at how quickly you'll feel comfortable with old friends.
• Find out which hotel everyone is staying at and join them. If you live in your class hometown, still get a hotel room where everyone is staying. This is a great way to have a blast after the reunion.
• Do talk to people you didn't know very well in high school. You may find they're having an interesting life and end up with a new friend.
• Do remember that you brought your spouse. Chances are they don't know anyone at the reunion so be polite and make sure to include them in activities and conversations.
• Do take your camera and take pictures. Not everyone is able to attend the reunion. Those who missed out would love to see pictures from the reunion.
• Do realize that organizing a reunion is a big financial burden. Try and pay early and/or R.S.V.P. as early as possible to help out the class organizers. Most places need to be reserved and without payment from those attending, it can be really hard for a reunion to get organized.

THE DO NOT'S

• Don't assume the Reunion Committee contacted everyone in the class. If you've kept in touch with classmates, take a few minutes to send their names and addresses to the Reunion Committee and thank them for taking care of the details.
• Don't pretend to remember someone. It is completely okay to not remember people. And remember many will not remember you.
• Don't be embarrassed by divorce. With the rate of divorce being an astounding 50%, many people won't even think twice about it.
• Don't worry too much - Once you get there and start seeing old friends, catching up, sharing pictures and swapping email addresses, you'll find that your preoccupation with looks will start to disappear.
• Don't spend all your time catching up with those you've already know, reach out to those you haven't seen in years.
• Don't take your entire library of family albums and vacation pictures spanning the past 20 years. But, DO take along a few pictures of your kids (and, of course, grand and great-grandkids, where appropriate). Old friends are really happy to see them. And, you'd like to see (a few) of their pictures.

Finally, DO GO to your class reunion and have a great time!

Do's and Don'ts from Victoria Flores and AlumniClass.com.