Will I regret not going?

[Dontbestupidagain]

It is my graduation for my MSc today. I have opted not to go to the graduation ceremony itself. However there is a drinks reception afterwards and I have won the course award for outstanding achievement. DH and I were going to go but I realized yesterday that the whole thing is not where the course took place but an hour and 40 minutes away. I was part-time on my course and whilst I got to know those in my first year well, the ones I graduate with are from the second year and I can't even remember their names. I would literally be going to pick up a piece of paper. It is all really inconvenient and I can't be bothered. DH thinks we should go and that I will regret it but I can't see what I'll regret. What do you think?

Well done on your award! It's up to you whether to go or not - I think it would be a lovely thing to do, but it's your choice. Why is it so inconvenient? Do you have other plans?

Thank you.
It will end up being a four hour round trip. We have to be back in time for school so we'd only have an hour and a half there max. I have a Dr appointment this morning which I've waited a month for and was booked before I knew about the award. We can just make it in time but that relies on Dr being on time. I have the day off work which I could really use as we go on holiday on Saturday and I'm not ready. Just lots of excuses really!

That’s a shame. I think you should go!

Having said that I missed my graduation ceremony through choice many years ago and I have never regretted it. Even when I passed all the crowds at their ceremony yesterday in my city yesterday I didn’t feel a pang.

I’m going to go against the grain and say no. If you’re already putting obstacles in the way then your heart isn’t in it and you’ll be clock watching all day. If you really wanted to go then you would move the Drs appointment and find after school care. I don’t mean to sound harsh but your OP suggests that you think you should go, rather than you absolutely desperately want to go.

You're right I have absolutely no desire to go but perhaps feel l should.

I read a book once which recommended substituting should with could

You could go. Do you want to?

Going to your graduation is a milestone achievement, it is not about knowing anybody but celebrating with your family and acknowledging your win. What do you have to lose?

I graduated aged 45 and didn't go to the ceremony as it meant nothing to me. I'd got my degree, that was the important thing for me. Uni posted my certificate to me. I don't regret not going at all.
Might have been different if I'd been the usual age and with a close-knit group of friends.
Enjoy the day off😊

Why don’t you and your partner go for a lunch somewhere nice instead? Then you are marking the occasion with a special meal with the person who is important to you rather than making that long journey to stand with people you don’t know?