Your high school reunion doesn't need to be stressful. Here are 8 dos and don'ts from therapists to help you enjoy the night.

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Happy Young Graduates

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As my 4 children graduate from high school and college, I'm hit with a mix of emotions — both joy and grief

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a mother hugging her daughter dressing in graduation gown
The author (not pictured) is both joyful and sad to watch her kids graduate.

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When I was 11, I made a friend who changed the trajectory of my life. She inspired me to go to college and try harder.

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Three young women standing in a rural valley in northern England.
The author, left, pictured with her school friend, Geraldine, center, and another friend in their native England when they were in their mid-20s.

Courtesy of Jane Ridley

When my family moved from the US to the UK, I enrolled my kids in an IB program. They're now better prepared for college.

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a classroom of kids in the UK writing
The author enrolled her American kids in an IB program in the UK.

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My son dropped out of high school to teach himself and later decided against college. I supported him every step of the way.

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aerial view of a school stairwell with students walking up and down it
The author's son dropped out of high school.

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My son has autism and just finished high school, but he can't go to college. It's been difficult for me to accept.

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Jen lovy's son in a cap and gown and graduation
The author's son has autism and just graduated from high school.

Courtesy of Jenny Bordelove

My son decided to go to a college across the country. I'm already dreading my empty nest, but it's time to let him go.

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a woman hugging a person in graduation gown
The author, not pictured, is dreading her empty nest when her son goes to college.

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My high school graduation was ruined. I'm now graduating from college and getting the ceremony I deserve.

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the back of a college graduates head in a cap and gown
The author, not pictured, just graduated from college.

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I'm a high school senior who commutes an hour by train to school every day. It's helped prepare me for the real world.

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selfie of teddy almond on the train next to a nj transit train
The author, left, takes the train to high school every day.

Courtesy of Teddy Almond & Drew Angerer/Getty Images

My daughter is on track to become high school valedictorian. I'm not sure it's worth the effort and stress.

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a girl in grad gown at the mic
The author's daughter, not pictured, is on track to be valedictorian.

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