Awkward Reunions

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Anybody here feel awkward upon meeting a 'long-lost friend'? Specifically, not knowing how to approach them - were you two close friends or aquaintances, on good terms or bad and so on? I used to be so happy to run into old faces and greet them enthusiastically, however, after a few awkward reunions I became much more standoffish, unsure of the reaction of the other person.

I met my former highschool sweetheart at a store(yes I had one, how crazy is that?) and i hadn't seen in him in forever. I totally drew a blank, then just shook hand with him really formally. I've always been too formal or casual. no inbetween. He was weirded out, i was weirded out... So we soon parted ways. He's married, so i really don't care any more. Once someone is married you lose them to the spouse forever.

I don't acknowledge them until they acknowledge me first.

Then the script ensues.

Them: "Hi."
You: "Hi."
Them: "How are you?"
You: "Fine, and you?"
Them:"Fine. It's been awhile!"
You: "It sure has! Well, nice seeing you again. I gotta run though, bye!"
Them: "Bye."

Of course, if they don't acknowledge me, then I just keep on walking like they never existed.

Yea... especially since I'm such a total failure, so I don't know what to say. I mean, if someone is finished grad school, married, and has a baby.. what do I say? "uh.. congrats.. I'm.. nothing."

It's hard running into people, especially if you are bad with remembering faces and recognising people at the best of times, makes it all the more awkward. I live in a world of half remembered shadows, of people I might know but I am just not sure if do or not. It's easier to keep walking.


john

I prefer acquaintances from my past to stay in the past.

I once contacted an old friend I hadn't spoken to in about five years, with the intent of meeting up. Something tells me it was merely an act of self harm, merely wanted to highlight to myself how distant I'd become from people who went on to live normal lives. It didn't go well and it certainly hurt.