WWYD: Would you go to NYE Party?

[AmICrazyorWhat2]

It's still the afternoon here in the US and we're supposed to be going to a family-friendly dinner at a friend's house tonight.

But this morning I received some devastating news about a relative's health (we'll be lucky if they're still with us in 12 months) and I'm feeling so sad. Would you still go? It's hosted by a close friend but there'll be other people there who are acquaintances and I just don't know whether I can plaster on a smile and make conversation. I don't want to put a damper on other people's evenings either. I'm fine for DH and the children to go if they want.

Would you go?

Do you have children?

I think it’s hard to say as I’ve not been in that position but I think I would go home. At least your friends may be able to take your mind off things for a little and if you have children I imagine they’ll have fun.

I am sorry for your news

I would go, but then I tend to be of the mindset that if I can't do anything right then about a situation, I need to stop worrying about it until I am able to think about it properly. So tonight, you could stay home, but you would be home alone, worrying, with no end to the worry. The worry will still be there in the morning unfortunately, so you may as well go and try to have some fun.

Yes, the children will definitely want to go and DH could take them. I'm just worried that I'm going to burst into tears and make everyone else feel awkward.

It would be different if I'd had a couple of days to process it.

I'm sorry you've had such bad news .

Personally, I would probably go in the hope of distracting myself while my subconscious began to process the news, rather than staying at home and being able to think of nothing else. But you are best placed to know whether you'd be better at home or in company.

Having received that sort of news in the past I wouldn't go. I wouldn't have found it a distraction. How will you feel about being home alone?

Go home? Meant go along! Even if you just stay for a bit it might be a welcome distraction

I went to my Christmas do a couple of weeks ago after dealing with an ill relative all day. Had a few drinks, started talking about it and became emotional. I thought it would cheer me up to go but it didn’t. In hindsight, probably should have stayed away.

I think if I were you I’d go but have a quiet word in the hosts ear if you guys are close and just say you’ve had some awful news so you may slip out unannounced if it gets too much.

That way you may be able to distract yourself for a few hours but have a free pass to just slink away the moment it overwhelms you.

I do better by being distracted though if that’s not at all how you process things then get your pjs on and be kind to yourself .

I'd try to go, even if it's just for a little while. I think letting DH & kids go without you might make you worse. Send your friend a message before you go to let them know the situation & that you might need to leave early. Sorry you've had bad news

Thanks everyone for the good advice. I did go in the end and had a nice time, it was better to be with other people and not think about the situation or a while. It was just the initial shock, I've got my practical hat on now and we'll cope with whatever 2020 brings. Happy New Year everyone!