You run into someone from high school you didn’t like after 20 years. WWYD?

[Anonymous]

Let’s say you are visiting your hometown and you run into someone from your high school who you knew, but didn’t particularly like, for whatever reason. Do you:

Ignore them as if they are a complete stranger?

Say hello, cordially, allowing high school social dynamics to stay in the past?

Say hello, appreciate the blast from the past even if your 17-year-old selves weren’t exactly friends?

Try to avoid them and/or be cold if they approach you?

[Anonymous]

Grow up, OP.

And would you even recognize each other?

What did this person do to you?

[Anonymous]

You say hello. Grow up.

[Anonymous]

I’d say hello but then probably add “wow—it’s been forever but I’m late to an appointment. Hope you’re well. Bye”

[Anonymous]

Ignore.

[Anonymous]

Say hello and then keep it moving.

[Anonymous]

I still live in my north va hometown. I rarely see classmates. If I do, I kind of read the room - are we in a potentially embarrassing situation (in line to get a prescription, sitting in an ER waiting room) and am I certain this is someone I knew?

I’m generally very friendly so I’d likely smile or say hi and see if the other person recognizes me. I’ve avoided a few though.

[Anonymous]

a) Ignore them as if they are a complete stranger

Anyone I didn't like probably treated me like crap and wouldn't recognize or approach me either so not a big deal to ignore.

[Anonymous]

Ignore and keep moving. No need for fake pleasantries.

[Anonymous]

Ignore. If they approach and try to be friendly make a comment that you’re supposed they are being so friendly given that they were so mean to you before

[Anonymous]

Have you tried therapy?

[Anonymous]

Pretend not to recognize them but if they initiate conversation be gracious and friendly. There’s no reason to give them something worth gossiping about.

[Anonymous]

If we recognize each other, then I'm sure that with nostalgia helping, we'd be happy to see each other.

Exception for actual bullies, of course.

[Anonymous]

I have run into a few HS classmates over the years and without context, it’s hard to recognize people. If I did, I doubt I would approach but if they did, I would exchange pleasantries and move on. I remember the people who were mean but I don’t dwell on it and I certainly wouldn’t ruin my own day being mean back at this point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Let’s say you are visiting your hometown and you run into someone from your high school who you knew, but didn’t particularly like, for whatever reason...

your 17-year-old selves weren’t exactly friends

OP tell us more.