This is so sad really - I knew I was not the only one who felt this way. Why are people so judgemental?

These ex-colleagues were for the most part very good friends of mine - esp when I was there. There are actually a few of them I am in 'contact' with thru emails - we correspond and catch up on our lives/kids etc. There will be at least a few people there I don't know - so I guess I don't care much what they think..and at least one person there I can't stand (and can't imagine why she was invited - i will ask one of the people i 'correspond' with about that!).

Of course no one would say anything to my face - but the next day I know someone might say ' did you see how big sh'e gotten?" - probably not in a mean way, but as Vickie said in a more 'concerned' way!

I also am a very honest and truthful person and don't like lying or hiding the truth and right now my home life is not the greatest - and my relationshp w/dd is pretty strained. I know I can 'joke' about how difficult the teenage years are and how my daughter and I are butting heads - but frankly it sometimes just makes me want to cry! Every day is a struggle for me right now and I can't go out places and smile and pretend nothing is wrong!

That is why I feel very comfortable on this board - I can say whatever is on my mind without being judged and I can get at least some support. My closest gf who I don't see often enuf would also be privy to this stuff - and maybe one other person - I am having dinner w/her tomorrow night - she is a lovely, very spiritual woman and we have shared many of our dark secrets so I feel somewhat comfortable with her. I am afraid that I will start crying tomorrow night at dinner when she asks me how things are going!

How pathetic is that???

Frouf:(

P.S. Just realized I never really answered your question Vickie - but I think i shall bow out!

Nothing wrong with tears spilled between two good and loving friends. Tears contain toxins and I'm a firm believer in getting rid of them. I say go, have a lovely dinner, some great wine, and revel in the fact that you have this wonderful woman in your life who will give you comfort and support. I believe in quality and not quantity. I don't have a million friends. But the ones that I do have are the ones you could call in the middle of the night and they'd get dressed and come to give you a hug and mop up your tears. Don't worry about not seeing this old group of friends. One day soon, you'll get back on the wagon and drop those pounds and you'll be able to schedule something with them if you choose.

And never, never, forget that we are here for you too!

Well said, Vickie. I agree completely.

Frouf, I change my mind. I vote not to go. You don't need the added pressure right now wondering what they're saying. Whether you care or not what they think, it's still going to be on your mind. :hug: