It’s that time of year when you’re probably getting ready to attend a high school or college reunion. You’ve purchased a new outfit, gotten a new haircut, and lost a few pounds (or tried your hardest to, but ran out of time).

Maybe you’ve even gotten a little tweak or a tuck here and there. No matter how much effort you put into it, however, all of it will be for naught if you do or say the wrong thing at the event.

Steer clear of topics that make others uncomfortable, such as divorce and politics!

Make your manners your most important accessory — so that you leave the event at the evening’s end with a light heart and many good feelings.

Check out these 11 smart insights for the most successful reunion ever.

Mind Your RSVPs
If you say you’re going to show up — keep your word. And don’t forget to submit your registration payment on or before the deadline. It’s a host’s worst nightmare to have to call or email those guests who aren’t courteous enough to respond to an invitation. If you aren’t sure if you can bring a guest to the event, always ask the organizers. If you bring uninvited guests at the last minute, it creates stress, adds unnecessary surprise, and puts everyone in an awkward situation.

Lend a Helping Hand
Even if you don’t live close by, assist with the event by setting up or cleaning up. Volunteer to make or hand out name tags, take photos, serve food. Being useful makes everyone’s job a little easier.

Don’t Hold a Grudge
Forget about the bad times from years ago — focus on the happy times in the here and now. After all, everyone has matured a lot since the school days and what was said or done should be water under the bridge. Be gracious and kind to all. It’s a one-time event, so let bygones be bygones.

Related: 10 Bad Habits That Aren’t Always Bad

Keep the Conversation Light
It’s obvious that a lot has happened in everyone’s life since you last saw your classmates; however, try and focus on the positive. Now is not the time to bring up embarrassing or unsavory topics about the past. Above all, steer clear of topics that make others uncomfortable, such as divorce and politics.

Stay Positive
It’s OK to share some of your trials and tribulations with a few friends, but don’t dwell on those things that may have changed you forever or changed your family’s life forever. It’s inevitable that some people have suffered the loss of a job or a loved one. Some of your classmates have even passed away. Now is not the time to dwell on how or when someone died. Be empathetic to others and grateful that you are able to attend the event.

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Don’t Be a Braggart
You should be proud of all you’ve accomplished since high school or college — but don’t harp on how much money you make, what you drive, how big your home is, or how “perfect” your kids are. Those topics may be touched upon and humbly handled. If you talk too much about your or your spouses’s achievements, you will come off as arrogant or narcissistic — and totally unlikeable. Be humble. Keep it real.

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Be Kind
It’s easy to find fault in something if you look hard enough. For example, if you don’t like the music, decorations, or the food — forget about criticism. Talk about the things you do like instead.

Dress Comfortably and Keep It Classy
It’s not necessary to go into debt to outshine everyone. Wear something that makes you look and feel your best. Now is not the time to show off your new “assets” or wear an outfit that’s tacky or too revealing. Unless the event calls for black tie or cocktail attire, keep it simple. It’s not a fashion show, after all.

Don’t Overindulge
You can still be the life of the party without being the butt of the jokes later. If alcohol is served, drink in moderation and remember, “Loose lips sink ships.” You don’t want to say or do anything you might later regret. If you bring a spouse, partner, or date, make sure that person drinks responsibly, too.

Compliment others on their appearance or accomplishments.

Be Interested and Interesting
As the saying goes, “We’ve got two ears and one mouth, so we can listen twice as much as we speak.” Focus more on other people more and less on yourself. Compliment others on their appearance or accomplishments. Don’t discuss how much you’ve aged, how much weight you or someone else has gained, or how bad you feel. Like it or not, growing older is a privilege and a part of life.

Thank the Organizers
It takes many months to plan a reunion well. Recognize those who have spent countless hours of their own personal time to organize the event. At the very least, show your appreciation verbally, in an email, or on your class reunion’s Facebook page.

Don’t hesitate to go the extra mile and write a thank-you note to all those who helped make the event a huge success.

Jacqueline Whitmore is an international etiquette expert, a bestselling author, and the founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach.