Christmas party coping strategies

[Olive180]

My work party is on Thursday and I'm dreading it. It's a 3 course meal with my department of 60ish people, followed by drinks at a nearby bar. I've only been working there a year, most people work remotely, and everyone is miserable (lots of redundancies/restructuring). I don't really know anyone going except for my line manager who never speaks to me except for our monthly 1:1s, and one woman in my immediate team who I've met in person before a few times, we have zero in common, and making conversation was a struggle. I'm planning on making a quiet exit en route after the meal.

Anyone else dreading their Xmas party and any tips or words of support?

[silverclock222]

Enjoy the food and the company of others, remember, we've been locked up for 2 years, we've missed a lot. Don't make it into a bigger deal than it is and take the car for an early escape.

[Olive180]

..But I get the impression nobody really enjoys anyone's company any more? 😅

[trimma]

Talk briefly to as many people as possible to see if you can find some kindred spirits among them.

[MustBeDueSomeBetterFeet]

Just remember that if you're feeling like this, others will be too.

[TellySavalashairbrush]

I hear you op. Mine is worse as we are literally stuck together with no escape for 4 hours! (can't go into details, in case anyone is on here) I feel ill at the thought of it. Wish I had the courage to say no, but colleagues are generally good people, I just hate enforced 'fun' and big crowds. It will take me days of being on my own to recover ( I am a social acting introvert).

[Olive180]

I totally get you @TellySavalashairbrush. After a couple of hours of enforced social fun I'm exhausted and just zone out. I have nothing more to give! I get overwhelmed by lots of people and noise too.

Good luck with your 4 hours!

[SallyWD]

Mine is Wednesday. I'm an admin person in a team of very intellectual academics. I'm naturally shy and always feels anxious about things like this. I'm just planning to enjoy the food, make small talk and I know I'll feel better after a glass of wine. It'll be over before you know it. Good luck!

[F4chrissakes]

It once gave me great joy to tell my manager that rather than make up excuses to avoid these do's, I'd rather tell the truth - that I really didn't enjoy socialising out of work. Though I omitted the bit about all my colleagues (including said manager) being such bastards that I'd rather not work with them either. Didn't stay there long.

[NoNamesLeft234678]

You don't have to go?

[Olive180]

@NoNamesLeft234678

You don't have to go?

I do. Big presenteeism culture, and I've paid £50 for the meal...

[viques]

@Olive180

I do. Big presenteeism culture, and I've paid £50 for the meal...

Well the fifty quid has gone whether you go to the thing or not, so I would be tempted to have a migraine, family emergency, leaking toilet,sick cat or whatever you can think of, spend another tenner on a decent supermarket meal deal and stay home with a box set.

[Olive180]

That sounds wonderful @viques ...

[MegBusset]

Make an excuse and don't go, honestly out of 60 people nobody will miss you. Do something you enjoy instead. Life's too short!

[emmathedilemma]

and that’s why I’m not going to mine!

[rippleraspberry]

Why are you going?

What are they going to do, fire you?

Honestly, if you're dreading it that much then just don't go.

[FlamingJingleBells]

We’ve got ours on Thursday too at a restaurant,. I was looking forward to it until one person said they were bringing their partner. Now it’s snowballed and lots are bringing their partners & now I feel the dynamic has changed. I’m sure it’ll be enjoyable but it won’t be a night out with the girls anymore.

[randomusername666]

If there is 60 people going you're bound to find one or two you'll get on with.