To hate the pressure of Christmas socials

[FirstTimeTTC989]

Currently sitting at home with a full face of makeup, an hour late to a Boxing Day social with work friends, getting loads of text messages about why I'm late. The truth is I'm tired and I was having a lovely afternoon at home, with DP and I don't want to see my my fucking work colleagues today, as lovely as they actually are.

I've had to go to so many fucking socials, it's the same every December. I hate about 50%of them. People are so offended if you try and say no. I tried saying no to this one. I got guilt tripped into eventually saying yes to coming by for one. The truth is it has ruined my day, even just the thought of one hour there.

But it will seriously damage my work relationships as I have to work with these people every day.

I've made my situation so much worse because I've told these people that I'm on my way now. Even though my heart rate is over 100 and I feel like I'm going to have a heart attack from the anger and anxiety this is causing me. I'm such an idiot.

It's my fault. I had to write it down somewhere since I can't say anything to anyone in real life.

Can you not cancel and say u r ill?

YABU for being such a wet lettuce. Just say no, make up a white lie if you have to.

I can't think of anyone who would be up for a work event on Boxing Day, most people have things going on with family or friends, so 'already made plans' is a solid excuse.

Just say no next time, I doubt it will damage your work relationships. Sometimes it’s nice to switch off from work and have a break from work colleagues. Unless you are great friends, who wants to see work colleagues on Boxing Day?! If you are still at home just say you are ill. Just tell them you were on your way but had to leave it because you are too ill.

Practice saying no more, and try to give reasons as infrequently as possible. Then when you have to, be honest. Anyone who doesn't like the real you isn't worth your time. That's what I aim for anyway, exceptions exist I'm sure

No way on earth I’d agree to a work social on Boxing Day, what a ridiculous idea. You need to get better at just saying no.

Practise saying 'thanks for inviting me but I won't be able to make it.' People generally don't give a shit. Avoid giving an excuse and say it firmly.

Urgh ! I couldn't think of anything less Id want to do than go to a work do on Boxing Day.
Next time just say no !

Make an excuse - there’s no reason for work dos to go on over the Christmas week.

A work social on Boxing Day - I.e. a bank holiday when you don’t have to see work colleagues (if you’re in a line of work that allows bank hols off)?! I find it weird that your work has arranged it and colleagues want to go! Christmas socials are a lot of pressure and can feel like forced fun. In jan reflect on what you enjoyed and what you didn’t for Christmas socials. Write it down and next year only do that.

I have nothing to do with work unless I'm being paid

That’s insane! Work colleagues?! Boxing Day is for playing games with family eating left overs possibly a walk if it’s glorious NOT seeing flipping work colleagues! Why on earth did you agree to that?

A work do on Boxing Day is off. I’d feign D & V as there’s lots about.

It wasn't an official "work do" but organised by a subset of people, some more senior and some equal to me. The organisers already knew I had no plans on Boxing Day because they had asked me (I had no idea what was being planned so had answered honestly).

My New Year resolution is to say hell no a lot more. Fuck everyone. They ruined Christmas for me.

Very weird

I don't go to any work events! Official or unofficial, I like my colleagues but they're not my friends and I don't want them to be.

Op a new year resolution could be that whenever you are asked what your plans are by people other than those you dearly love, have a stock , vague answer to avoid this situation. So a ‘ Oh I think I’m out that day, will have to check….’ will buy you time.