Over the last couple of years, I have been in the process of re-connecting with people from my past: old teachers, old friends, and old romances. It's been an interesting experience. Most whom I contact are quite pleased to hear from me; a few others, not so much. But overall, it's been worth the hassle.
The "romances" part has probably been the most meaningful, and vexing. For several of these people, I feel a need to apologize for my actions. (A few of them have been impossible to locate, and in a couple of semi-embarrassing cases, I'm not even sure of their names! Oh my.) When you're in your 20s (time to pull out a cliche) one's brain seems to be somewhere else than in your head. The "raging hormone" idea is no less true for me than it is for others. I can't say that I did anything horrific during those wacky years, but I certainly did things that are not a source of immense pride.
Now that I legally qualify for collecting Social Security, I sort of enjoy not being so ruled by my hormones. Although those were very exciting years, the choices that I make now driven by other motives and other forces. As a result, life has become a little less crazy. It's an odd thing to be thankful for, but it feels that way to me.
