[Sophia M.]

Front Porch Forum: “Should I go to my 60th high school reunion, or leave the past in peace?” (11/15/2025)​

Pull up a seat, GrayViners. “The Reunion Invitation” didn’t expect a simple envelope to bring back sixty years of memories, both tender and painful. When the past calls, do you answer—or let it rest quietly where it belongs?

Image source: Reddit

Hi GrayVine,

My 60th high school reunion invitation arrived last week. I stared at it for a long time before setting it aside. The idea of going brought up emotions I didn’t expect—curiosity, nostalgia, and a little fear all tangled together.

Back then, I wasn’t one of the popular ones. I was the quiet girl who stayed behind to clean up after dances, the one people sometimes forgot to invite. I never went to prom. I doubt anyone from that time would even remember my name.

Still, part of me wants to go—to walk in proudly as the woman I became. I built a life I’m proud of: a family, a career, and more strength than I ever gave myself credit for. But another part of me keeps whispering, “Why open old doors?”

I’ve looked through photos from past reunions online. The faces are older now but still familiar. Some of them hurt me deeply once. Some were kind. It has been six decades, yet the memories sit quietly just beneath the surface.

Would going bring the closure I never knew I needed—or stir up wounds that are better left healed?

Yours truly,
The Reunion Invitation

What do you think, GrayViners? Have you ever revisited a chapter of your life you thought was long closed—and did it bring peace, pride, or something in between? Share your thoughts and gentle advice below. And if you’ve got a life dilemma of your own, start a conversation here.

 

[Arkie]

Since i was not popular and apparently she wasn't why bother?

 

[RoyzToyz]

I attened numerous high school class reunions and even was on serveral reunion committees that were held for the class of 1968. Due to peripheral neuropathy, my lack of normal balance left me first needing the use of a cane and now a walker and unfortunately resulting in me no longer attending these events.

 

[Gayle B.]

I was a lot like Reunion Invitation. Not popular. I never went to a school dance or any proms. Those things were definitely not for me. After school I went into the Air Force. I was out of state and my school memories stayed far in my past. I couldn’t see the point in returning for a class reunion. The classmates didn’t mean anything to me and I’m sure I didn’t mean anything to them. In June 2021 was our 50th reunion. I had no desire or intention of returning. I have kept up with one person whom I went through Girl Scouts for 6 years. We keep up with each other about anything and everything. She was in my wedding party. She remains in my heart and soul forever.
For you, I don’t see why you might put yourself through what will probably a negative and hurtful experience. If you have any kind of relationship with one of them, you can ask them to fill you in on the reunion? Good luck!