Reunions are strange because everyone shows up as who they became, and everyone remembers who they were.

Two versions of every person are in that room at once, the current one and the one everybody has stored from years ago. The awkwardness comes from the gap between them, and from not knowing which version is being spoken to. Most people are quietly hoping to be met as who they are now.

When you see somebody you have not seen in years, ask what they are into lately rather than what they were known for. It is a small kindness and it changes the whole conversation.