Polite yet believable excuses to get out of staff night out?

[LeeRoar]

Hi there

Wondering if you lot could help me. I've been working myself up over the annual Christmas night out at work next week and my anxiety is sky high at the thought of it. Loud music, big crowds, unable to hear anyone and I've recently had a baby so not wanting to be away from DC is another factor. Not to mention I don't really have the money for an outfit and I feel super fat in everything...

My plan is to send my boss the money he's put in for me and say sorry I can't make it. But if the other girls at work start asking why and making me feel guilty about it I want to be prepared with a good excuse.

Any tips?

ikboo actually to be honest I did get a lot of the "oh don't be boring" remarks but generally when I didn't go no one really cared.

One of our colleagues makes up an excuse every time. We know she's lying and would have more respect for her if she just came out with it and said it's not her thing.

Honestly I would just tell the truth. I came back after maternity leave less than a month ago and the party is on a day I don't work (working 4 days currently) so it would be a PITA to go anyway. I haven't actually been to any of the last 5 Christmas parties as I've always either been pregnant or with a small child and just couldn't be arsed! Nobody minded. I think I'm well liked in the office so don't think they were glad I didn't go (hopefully!) but equally they all understood. My DH would happily look after the kids (he works three days currently so actually does the bulk of the childcare) but it's not that important to me.

All you need is a polite excuse. Everyone knows people don’t want to be there and the people who do want to be there are there.

So the excuse doesn’t matter. Nobody really cares that other people don’t want to be there.

Generally I am honest about these things with my friends, they all understand me pretty well.

My work colleagues not so much. I have been honest in the past and they really didn't get it. I got the usual, "Don't be boring. You'll enjoy it once you're there. The boss is paying for drinks so you don't need much money." We have quite a small workforce so I do feel bad about dropping out but I know I'm terrible company at these things. I'll just be sat there nursing a wine, smiling and nodding while not being able to hear a word of what's being said over the loud music and making loads of excuses to not go to the dance floor (I hate dancing).

Honesty is the best policy, although I DID get called 'not a team player' by the boss.
I think this was because I resolutely refused to attend, despite their demands...

I'm not bothered though; I am not going and that's final. 🙂