to ask for help with awkward party

[partyetiquette]

I've got a large event coming up that I cannot get out of. It's going to also be attended by a friend I fell out with - we haven't spoken for a while- the falling out was really difficult but now in hindsight I can't really pin down what happened. I have reached out twice (once via a mutual friend and once with an email) and I apologised for my part in it (There were extenuating circumstances) but both went unanswered. It's clear that they do not want to reconnect with me and I think I have made my peace with that, but I am dreading the event. We still have mutual friends. How do I handle it?

Hopefully it's a large enough event that you can just give her a wide berth, but if you do find yourself face-to-face just greet her politely, friendly enough not to create an atmosphere but formal enough that she knows you've taken the hint.

Depends, if it’s just the 3 of you - super awkward.

But you say it’s a party, they’ll be many people there (assuming) you need to deal with this like an adult and put your feelings aside for the person who’s event it is.

There will be people you’ve fallen out with who you have to work with, or see at weddings or at mutual friends parties. You just have to get on with it, stay away unless you walk past and say “Hi” and then get on with the party

There'll be lots of people there (maybe even 100)
The people I would normally socialise with are the mutual friends though- but I could definitely try and mingle more with the people I don't know as well.
I think I could be confident at just saying' hiya' and then moving on.
My ideal would be that this might spark us off talking again but I think I am living in a bit of hope there

I would personally socialise with your mutual friends, if you make it obvious you’re trying to avoid the group because of this ex friend you are just making things more awkward.

It's large enough to avoid her. If your paths do cross smile and say hi and move somewhere else

our paths definitely will cross. I think I am just going to need to be brave - I am glad I was the one to reach out though previously as at least I was showing willing to apologise and move on, even if she wasn't maybe? Not trying to get the upper hand , just trying not to freak out!

You can say hello and be cordial without having to sit down and go in to a deep therapy sessions with them.

I would personally try and get the hello out of the way asap rather than spending the evening anxiously keeping an eye out to see where abouts they were.

Have you considered it will be awkward for them and they will likely be avoiding you too?

Yes definitely, I was more asking what tips and tricks I can use to be brave