The People You’re Going To See Coming Back To Your Hometown For Thanksgiving
Going back to your hometown for Thanksgiving entails more than just turkey, stuffing, and Black Friday Sales. Being back in the place where you lived the majority of your life means running into people from your past, whether you want to or not.
The universe has an uncanny tendency to make me run into as many people from my formative years as possible, and stumble through conversations with people I haven't talk to in years every time I head home for the holiday. These are some of the people you're likely to run into during your weekend at home.
The Girl Who Was Mean To You In High School
She was horrible to you throughout the entire four years and made you miserable in high school. However, when you run into her, she'll be extremely (and irritatingly) pleasant and say it was "really nice to run into you".
An Old Teacher
You go out to pick up a few groceries at your mom's request only to run into Mrs. Stephenson, your teacher from the second grade. She tells you that she's shocked by how tall you are and mentions something you did that you don't even remember.
The Ex-Boyfriend That You Can't Stand
He was good looking and funny, so naturally you fell for him in the ninth grade, but things slowly dissolved into a hateful relationship. You'll go out for drinks to catch up with old friends and see him staring at you from across the bar.
Your First Love
Even if the feelings weren't reciprocated or it was a long time ago, you never forget your first love. You smile at this person who has become a stranger to you while you pass each other on the sidewalk, and he smiles back.
The Guy Who Became A SoundCloud Rapper
He went to college for business but dropped out to pursue his rap career. He'll tell you he's working on a project that's going to go big. You look him up later, and his music is terrible.
That One Judgmental Relative You (Barely) Tolerate
This loud-mouthed family member has a lot of opinions, and is way too eager to share them. You grit your teeth whenever they speak during dinner, reminding yourself that it will all be over in a couple hours.
The Friend Of A Friend
You both have nothing of value to say to each other, but you say hello out of politeness and have a stiff, forced conversation where you pretend you care about catching up.
The Guy Who Now Thinks Of Himself As An "Entrepreneur"
Without prompting, he dives into the details of his start-up idea that's "getting off the ground" and "a lot of investors are interested in" and "do you want to be an investor?"
The Ex-Boyfriend That Broke Your Heart
You've had your fair share of heartbreak in the years since you moved away from home, but when you see the guy who cheated on you while at the mall, you freeze. You know it's stupid, but you hide in Bath & Body Works until he's out of sight.
Your Friend's Dad
He's warm and friendly, and way too excited to have run into you. He emits intense dad vibes while you chat in the grocery store, and assures you that he'll tell Samantha that he saw you.
The Person Who Is So Obviously In A Pyramid Scheme
She is so excited to tell you about how she's a brand ambassador for a shampoo company and now she gets to be her own boss! You fake a smile and nod along before excusing yourself after she tries to recruit you.
The Guy Who Glowed Up
He was really sweet in high school — you both took band and used to do your Calculus homework together. He used to be this scrawny, acne-faced boy, but he grew up to be an absolute hottie that you barely recognize at the bar.
The Person You Played A Sport With And Only Knew Them In That Context
You played volleyball with Rebecca from ages 10 to 18 but you really don't know anything about her other than the fact she likes volleyball. You're shocked when you run into her in regular clothes at the bar; you never really considered her as a person outside of the team.
Your Crush Who Peaked In High School
He was the basketball star who you used to go to games to watch. He was charming, had good arms, and you got nervous whenever he passed you in the hallway. You talk to him at the bar, and he tells you about how he still thinks he has a shot at being a professional athlete. His hair is thinning and he has a beer gut.
Your Old Best Friend
You thought you were going to be best friends forever, but going to different colleges made you a little bit distant and slowly you drifted apart. You still have mad love for her though, and you walk away after catching up with a smile.
The Person You Drunkenly Hooked Up With In High School
It was a grimy house party where you first made out with him after a few too many wine coolers. You guys briefly chat for a few minutes and before bringing up that one time, which sends you both into a fit of laughing.
The One Quiet, Shy Girl Who Grew Into Herself
She generally kept to herself while in group discussions, but she always was very kind. You see her out at the bar talking with a bunch of people and emitting a powerful sense of confidence that makes you feel overwhelmingly happy for her.
The Annoyingly Successful D-Bag
He works at a hedge fund in a big city and drives an expensive car and he won't stop mentioning either fact. You remember that he was the skeevy guy who used to stare down girls' shirts in the eleventh grade and you're thoroughly pissed that his life is going well.
Your Family
They're the real reason you flew home for the weekend, and you fold into your parents' arms the moment you walk through the door. Your siblings, who you used to fight with incessantly, are suddenly your close friends and you're happy to be home and feel loved.
Your Pet
Okay, so they technically aren't a person, but your furry friend will be overwhelmingly excited to see you again after you've been gone for so long, and deserves all of the attention and pets.
