After an entire year of working hard in college, summer is the perfect time to decompress and have fun. Unfortunately, the best way to kill that chill summer vibe is by running into people from your high school. The last thing you want to do is share an awkward hello with someone you vaguely remember, but we always seem to run into our former high school peers at the most inconvenient times.
1. Is that someone I know?
The first stage involves a combination of curiosity, denial, and panic. As you quickly glance at a former classmate in line at the grocery store, you want to believe that it is her doppelgänger so you can avoid any and all human interaction. After realizing that the person is in fact someone you know, you enter a state of panic, asking yourself questions like, “What was her name again?" and “Where does she go to college?" just in case you end up speaking to her.
2. I probably should have worn makeup.
The second stage stems from the realization that, with the way you're dressed you could easily pass for a hobo. Of course, you were just running a few errands with your mom and didn't think it was necessary to change out of your sweatpants, brush your hair, or put on some eyeliner.
3. Maybe she doesn't see me. Better yet, maybe she doesn't recognize me!
The third stage encompasses a feeling of hopefulness. Maybe this is one of those I-saw-you-but-you-didn't-see-me moments that you can laugh about later. You probably could pass for someone else since you've gained a few pounds in college.
4. Okay, we just made awkward eye contact and I'm grocery shopping with my mom.
The fourth stage involves discomfort and embarrassment. You both catch each other's eye, but smiling at her would be creepy and weird. You try to be casual, but hanging out with your mom when you are 20 years old doesn't exactly scream cool.
5. Quick, pretend to be on your phone!
The fifth stage is a true test of your acting skills. Nobody actuallytexts or calls you, but she doesn't have to know that. Maybe she'll think you're having intense, important conversations with all of your cool college friends.
6. Maybe I should go say hi.
The sixth stage revolves around guilt. We did spend four years together, even if we weren't friends. What's the harm in saying hello? I don't want to be rude.
7. "Hey, how are you?"
The seventh stage is the moment you've been dreading -- when both parties acknowledge each other's presence. The generic and nonchalant, "Hey, how are you?" is the safe and polite way of approaching the situation.
8. A few minutes of awkward small talk follows.
The eighth stage includes surface level questions. "How's school?" "What's your major?" "What are you doing this summer?" All of these, even though you can barely remember this person's name.
9. Crushed it.
The ninth stage involves self-praise. That wasn't as bad as you thought it would be, but you still wouldn't want to have to relive that experience.
10. Leave ASAP before you see someone else!
The tenth stage is one of recovery and prevention. Hopefully, you won't have to see anyone from high school for the rest of the summer, but we all know that's wishful thinking.
