Whether you’re staying in your college town, heading home or traveling this summer, chances are you’re hoping you don’t run into a few select people. Here’s a list of all the people we want to avoid and what to do if and when you see them:
1. High School “Friends?”
Whether you had a lot of friends in high school or not, there were always people who you didn’t really know (or necessarily like) but always felt obligated to talk to. Whether it be a fake smile in the hallway or inviting them to a party just because you “had” to, we all had half-made connections with people we would rather avoid at all costs if seen in public. Not to mention the, “OMG, we should totally hang out!” or people who only text you for rides or money. There’s no reason to have people in your life that you don’t care about or who take advantage of you. So keep avoiding these people when you see them at Target, and don’t feel bad about it!
2. Ex’s and Their New SOs
Nobody wants to run into their old SO after the two of you have broken up, especially if they’re with a new boo! The awkwardness is unimaginable (or maybe too imaginable), and it inevitably brings back so many memories that all parties have tried to forget. Unless you two dated long distance, the chance of running into an old significant other can be a constant worry and concern that nobody should have to deal with.
Walk with your head high and remember why the two of you broke up! Hopefully the new SO is a better fit, and be glad that you aren’t with someone who wasn’t right for you.
3. Old Bosses
Not everyone has the perfect internship or travel plans lined up for the summer, so not everyone is able to stay out of their home town. But even you do, it is always an awkward conversation running into your old boss from the community pool or babysitting job and explaining to them why you won’t be working for them this summer. You’ll undoubtedly receive questions about your life and where you’re headed, and give them empty promises that you’ll pick up shifts when you’re free or will work for them hopefully next summer.
4. Bad Influences
Somehow, we all know someone who has too much free time and is usually inviting you to a party at their house. Do they still live with their parents? How do they always have money to party yet also always seem to be at home? You don’t know much about this person, but they always seem to throw ragers in someone’s basement and for some reason you never question it.
Stay away from people who are stuck in “high-school-mode” and don’t do anything with their life except drink and party. Getting sucked up in this mentality isn’t healthy and can lead to following in someone else’s footsteps who isn’t headed for success.
5. Summer Flings
Every summer feels like it’s going to be “the” summer of a lifetime. Which it can be! But don’t let your summer revolve around the same guy you hook up with every season. Summer flings might sound fun and cinematic, but nobody should want to get sucked up in the same person every single summer. Explore! Pick up a new hobby or travel the state. Don’t text the same guy and make sure he’s “down” for this summer because you might just be wasting a perfectly good summer on an old high school flame.
6. Parents of People You No Longer Talk To
Nothing can be more awkward than running into your childhood friend’s parents, of whom you have not seen or spoken to since middle school. We all have friends we used to have sleep overs with, but are no longer in touch with besides being Facebook friends. Unfortunately, parents remember everything and will go out of their way to stalk you in a department store to ask you how your life has changed since you were in elementary school. While this is sweet, it can be very awkward when you haven’t talked to their child since you were little and your only remaining ties to these parents are pre-teen sleepover parties, AKA times you’d much rather forget.
Whether you run into these people over the summer or not, they all have the opportunity for an awkward encounter. Be kind, and avoid them…respectfully!