This year's Spring Festival was supposed to be a time of reunion and joy, but I spent it in an indescribable mood. There is no other reason than that annual class reunion. You may be thinking, isn't a class reunion just about eating, chatting, and reminiscing about the good old days? But for me, it became an unbearable "feast".
On the eve of the Spring Festival, the notice of the class reunion arrived as scheduled. Looking at that message, I had mixed feelings. The sixth day of the Lunar New Year is a day that has a special meaning for me because it is the day of our family gathering. This habit has been going on for many years, and relatives have long been accustomed to gathering together on that day to enjoy the warmth of family. However, this habit came into conflict with class reunions.
What makes me feel even more helpless is that as the years go by, the economic conditions of my classmates seem to be getting better and better, but I still stick to the land in the countryside and live on my meager income. Every class reunion, for those who have a pension, may be just a small episode, spend a few hundred or thousands of dollars, and it can be easily done. But for a rural person like me, it means spending more than half a month, or even a month's living expenses.
I remember that in the beginning, the class reunion was relatively down-to-earth. Everyone chooses a place to eat, eat, chat, and the cost is not high. But gradually, the party began to take a turn for the worse. I have to change places every time, and I have to party while traveling. Such an activity is really unaffordable for those of us who do not have a pension and have an unstable income.
Take that trip to Harbin to see the ice lanterns, although I had a lot of fun, but when I stayed in a hotel at night, I couldn't sleep at all. Thinking about my wife at home, waiting for me to go back to feed. There was also that party in Sanya, where each person had to pay 5,000 yuan. That's an astronomical amount for me. I know that some of my classmates may have good intentions and want to help us share the cost. But that kind of "kindness" made me feel even more embarrassed and uncomfortable.
Actually, I'm not against class reunions, I think it's a good *** to relive the good old days. However, I think class reunions should be done within one's means, and should not become a place for comparison and showing off. Everyone has their own lifestyle and economic situation, and there is no need for us to compare ourselves with others, and there is no need to slap a swollen face and become fat.
Wu Xuemei and I, we chose to withdraw from this "circle". We don't want to feel inferior and embarrassed because of our financial situation, and we don't want to feel stressed and uncomfortable because we can't meet the expectations of others. We have chosen to protect our dignity and our way of life, and we have chosen to stay away from people and things that make us feel uncomfortable.
I know that such a choice may cost us some connections and friendships, but I think it's worth it. Because I don't want my life to be dictated by other people's eyes and evaluations, I don't want to sacrifice my dignity and happiness in order to meet other people's expectations.
Of course, I also understand the thoughts and practices of those who continue to attend class reunions. Everyone has their own lifestyle and choices, and there is no need for us to judge and blame others. I just hope that we can maintain a sincere and friendly relationship based on respect and understanding for each other.
In conclusion, I would like to say that life is not a race to compare and show off, but a journey to find oneself and happiness. We should cherish our own lives and happiness and not sacrifice our dignity and happiness in order to meet the expectations of others. Let's work together to live the life we want!