Reunited...

Last night was the big event, my 26th high school reunion. It was pretty much what I expected: a lot of people I wouldn't have ever wished to lay eyes on again, a good number of people it was pleasant to see, and a small handful of people I felt really good about reconnecting with. And, as I predicted, it was held in a generic, windowless function room with truly atrocious institutional-style food (at $50/person!) and a cash bar. The majority of the women looked great, and the majority of the men looked horrible—I don't know whether that's just a function of who chose to attend or truly a statement about how 44-year-olds age. Many of the women looked exactly as they did at graduation—or better; many of the men were unrecognizable (thank heaven for name tags!). My senior-year sweetheart was not there, which was a disappointment. At least one person got embarrassingly drunk (not me!). I discovered that quite a few people are still not settled in their lives, so I left (on the early side) feeling grateful to be at a comfy, happy place in mine.

Comments

[Janeen]

I noticed the same phenomenon at my 20th (didn't go to the 25th), the women looked great and the guys didn't. My theory was that the women work harder at it.

[Tonya]

I went to my 30th last year and noticed the same thing. (Which was what I'd also noticed at my 20th!) I think Janeen's right -- the women work harder at it. Some of the men looked like they'd never lifted a pinky in the effort over those entire 30 years!

[Karen]

One thing that helps women and hurts men IMMENSELY is the hair. Men who go bald or very gray just look older.

[Jeff]

Even though I'm a guy, I heartily agree. A lot of the gals really came into their own as they got older while the guys just got heavy or lost their hair or both. Thank heavens I still have my hair.