With summer in full swing for the newly graduated class of 2015, the infamous graduation parties and crazy amounts of cheesy potatoes have commenced. Whether you have a party so you’re not in complete debt next year or just to celebrate your four years of hard work, most people have them. At every grad party, there are five different type of attendees.

First, your close family. These are the family members who are usually invited to these kind of events anyway like birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, etc. You would feel pretty comfortable going up to these people at your party to start a conversation.

Second, your  close friends. These are the type of friends that are obligated to be at your party to get you through the boring hours of small talk. These are the same friends who you’ve hung out with on the weekends, State, and anytime you don’t want to be with your family (so a lot).

Third are the distant relatives.  You may not have seen these family members since your tenth birthday, but your mom insisted on sending them an invite. They also may say things like, “I remember when you were only this tall!” or “I haven’t seen you since you’ve had contacts; you look so grown up!” It could be a tad awkward starting a conversation with these relatives and most likely the conversation will end in, “I’m going to go see if my mom needs help with anything, but it was so nice chatting with you!”

Fourth are the “school friends.” Most of these classmates are here just because they’re graduation party hopping and free food is free food. These are the kind of friends you didn’t plan on seeing after graduation, but are happy that you are anyway. Although it may be a tad awkward going up to these people at your party, it’s probably a lot more exciting than talking with the distant relatives.

Lastly, you have your professional invites. These are people like your boss, co-workers, teachers, etc. You kinda only invited them because you’ll know there will be extra food left over. It won’t be that awkward speaking to them at your party, but a little weird that they now know where you live.

No matter what, graduation parties are always a fun time to get together with almost anyone you’ve ever met just to celebrate yourself! You may have the occasional conversations with the people at your party who you barely know, but that’s the least of your worries. What better way to celebrate being finished with high school than endless amounts of food and good company!