[ASTalumna06]

I would agree that she should NOT speak negatively about her high school experience.

I think it's completely inappropriate to talk about negative/sad/disappointing/over-bearing/pushy/inappropriate/frustrating experiences and/or wants and needs when you first meet someone.

There was a guy who used to work at my company and the second he met someone he would start talking about how his wife is battling cancer. Not necessary at this stage in the game. I would always listen over my cubicle to these conversations (it was kind of hard not to!) and I could just tell how uncomfortable the other person was.

When you start to get to know someone, the conversation should be light and fun. Compare it to a first date. Would you start talking about your ex, and how awful he was to you? How you didn't get along, and how miserable you were? Would you talk about how much you really want to get married, and how many children you want to have someday? Would you talk about your crazy uncle, and how he almost shot your dog one day because he was so drunk?

I sure hope not.

We all have personal baggage, but you don't want to dump it on someone the first time you meet them (or the second.. or third... or tenth time, in some cases).