Get rid of those family and school reunion jitters

An inevitable part of growing older is the much-awaited but also much-dreaded family or school reunion. Reunions are usually held as annual events but are generally spaced every five or 10 years. They are fun occasions that gather together people you’ve known and met – relatives, school or office mates, and co-members of your social circle, church or club.

Most people regard reunions with fondness and good memories while others see them with sarcasm and ridicule. These affairs actually provide an engaging opportunity to be with people who were once part of your life, and get updated on what’s happening to them.

You’ll get to see who has aged, who has bloomed; who has double chin, false teeth, falling hair, and failing vision. Who wears a hearing aid, who has wrinkled up; who has been heavily botoxed, who has had cosmetic surgery done. You’ll also find out who is successful, who looks happy, and who looks youngest among all.

Is the prom queen still as lovely, and has the school’s hot jock lost his appeal? Who has added pounds galore, and whose hair has turned gray? Who has stayed married, who has since been separated? All this and more, a reunion juicily reveals. Oh, including who’s had angioplasty or a bypass, who passed on, and who is still around.

Overcome The Reunion Angst

Most people get jittery and distressed prior to attending reunions. They worry that they may fall short of the expectations of the other attendees. The most common causes of apprehension and insecurity are: having gained weight, looking old, or not having achieved enough to impress others.

One of the best ways to overcome the reunion angst is to be comfortable with yourself. Prior to the reunion, list your achievements and successes, and evaluate where you stand at that point in your life. There is really no need to beef up your accomplishments and present a false front. Simply be yourself with no pretensions.

Get Yourself Into The Reunion Spirit

Months before the reunion, get in touch with relatives or classmates who would help drum up your enthusiasm for the event. Look up old photos and videos to remind you of the good times you’ve had with the group in the past. One of the best ways to get you into the reunion mood is by playing music and songs from the era you are celebrating.

Find out more about the event – where and when it will be held, how to get there, how much it would cost. Consider the weather, what to wear, and what special attire is required. Make the proper arrangements for whatever you are leaving behind at work and home to eliminate unnecessary worry and stress.

Look Your Best

Be sure to get yourself physically and psychologically ready for your reunion. Eat properly, exercise daily, and get plenty of rest and sleep so you will feel healthy and look radiant. Plan your wardrobe, and ask the advice of a grooming expert if you need it. When you feel and look your best, you will have the poise and self-assurance to socialize and sizzle.

Remember Those Names

Do a quick review to try to remember those long-forgotten names and faces. Check out family pictures and identify by name as many relatives as you can. If you are attending a class reunion, go through your yearbook to refresh your memory.

Expect some people to have changed through the years and not look like how you remember them to be. When introduced, repeat the person’s name aloud so it will be imprinted on your mind. To avoid embarrassment, ask the reunion committee to prepare nametags for everyone to wear. If you intend to network, bring your business cards, but hand them out with great discretion.

The Miracle In Reunions

Something miraculous happens in every reunion. As soon as people have warmed up to each other, they will see past the wrinkles and layers of fat added through the years. Everybody becomes young in everybody’s eyes again and, believe it or not, they all start acting like they were children or in high school again. Anyone who has ever attended a reunion has experienced this magic – the exhilarating illusion of feeling young even just for a day!

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Calling All Up Prep Class ’62 Alumni

The University of the Philippines Preparatory School Class ‘62 will hold its 45th year grand sapphire reunion from February 17-24. The weeklong celebrations include a welcome dinner to be hosted by Flor Gozon Tarriela, a Gawad Kalinga charity visit to Bulacan to be led by Delfin Lazaro and Ed Elegado, an overnight beach trip to spectacular Puerto Galera, a trip to historic Corregidor Island, and a whole day of golf at Ayala Greenfield Estates in Calamba, Laguna. Capping the festivities will be a closing dinner to be hosted by Delfin Lazaro on the 25th floor of Tower 1 of the Makati Stock Exchange.

For details, e-mail Edna Ledesma at ednagertrude@yahoo.com or call Ed Elegado at 0918-9032337.

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