Do's and Don't of Meeting Up With Old Friends | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Friendships

Do's and Don't's of Meeting Up with Old Friends from High School

Sometimes the past shouldn't stay in the past.

9881
https://www.pexels.com/photo/men-s-white-button-up-dress-shirt-708440/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/men-s-white-button-up-dress-shirt-708440/

Seeing old friends always makes me nervous. I think to myself, "What's going to come up? Will it be awkward? What should I wear?" It's a whole dilemma, but it's actually not as terrifying nor terrible as it may appear. I just did it a few days ago, and it went much better than expected. So, if you're in my former position of anxiety, here are a few things to do and avoid.

Do's

1. Wear something not too flashy or too lazy.

Choosing what to wear is a pain in the butt, but you can't over do it when meeting up with old friends. If you show a too dramatic outfit, then they'll feel insecure themselves or they'll see right through your "I'm perfect" act. Be comfortable as well as casual, according to the occasion. If you're going out to a diner, jeans and a shirt will be just fine.

2. Hug them!

These are your old friends, so show them that you still care. Time may have separated you, but that doesn't mean you have to act stand-off-ish. Be comfortable with them.

3. Catch up and ask about their lives.

Be a friend and ask about what they're doing. You can always talk about yourself when the correct time comes, like when they ask about you or when the topic changes to something more "in your zone." Make them feel good. Make them want to miss you and come back for more.

4. Bring up funny times from the past.

Reminiscing is a wonderful thing, and doing it with old friends makes for a fun time. Was there a crazy teacher you had before? Bring it up! It'll help push the conversation along while allowing you and your friends to remember how much fun you had in the past.

5. Relax.

This is supposed to be fun, so have fun! You can always prepare yourself and your composure if a sore topic gets brought up, but don't stress about it too much. They don't want any drama just as much as you don't.

Don't's

1. Don't go into it miserable.

Having a negative mindset might prepare you for the worst, but it can also affect your interactions, tone of voice, and gestures. Being a pessimist will rub your friends the wrong way and give them the wrong impression.

2. Don't bring up bad topics or past enemies.

Leave the past where it's supposed to be: in the past. It's history. It's done. Fun stories are fair game to talk about, but your ex or that one girl who singled you out of your friend group should not be talked about. They are the "unmentionables."

3. Don't gloat too much.

Keeping friends updated on your endeavors is great, but limit what you say. Continuously speaking about how awesome you're doing will make you out to be an arrogant braggart.

4. If you're at a restaurant, don't order messy food.

The ribs might look amazing, but if you want to save your appearance and the awkwardness of sauce being smeared all over your face, then say "no" to them. Basically what I'm saying is to eat what you want, but be mindful of how messy it is.

5. Don't expect the entire friendship to resurrect right away.

It's fine that people grow apart. It happens, but just because you meet up with old friends doesn't mean that you can add them to your best friends list. You grew apart for a reason, whether it was on one side or on both. Keeping in touch is amicable and has them remembering you and the fun, but don't expect a full friendship to be born right away. You might end up disappointed.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

553089
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

438464
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments