Xmas works meal...only single one person...go or not?

[onanotherday]

Deptment at work booking a sit down meal for xmas. 15 collegues and all bringing partners...and then there is me! Im quite new so dont know them very well..am reasonably confident but without having made those relationships I feel quiet daughnted by the idea...also if I don't go it will really look poor😕

You might have a really nice time! Could you mention to a colleague you're a bit nervous about going without a partner?

Of course you should go. You being single surely isn't a deal here?

Oh I hate works dos with partners. I wouldn't go personally.

This wouldn't bother me at all!

I would go without a second thought. I probably wouldn't even notice I was the only single TBH. I would probably enjoy meeting the OHs of the people I work with.

It's only September, you my have partner by then or could you take a friend

Second taking a friend!

Yes, go. You know or at least will know your work colleagues well enough by then. I assume it's a sit down dinner. There will be lots of conversation that doesn't revolve around couple-dom. In fact, it will likely be mostly the partners as it can be super awkward as a partner when you don't know anyone. My work doesn't even invite partners. It's literally just us and we go straight from the office. Last year I had only started 2 months before and barely knew anyone, but it was actually lovely and I'm not usually someone who loves those sorts of forced social situations.

Many, many years ago, I joined a company in my early 20s on 2/12, first question was 'are you coming to xmas meal on Saturday?'. I was single, new to area, didnt know anyone at work (engineering company, sole female engineer, majority of employees were men of 30+). But I went and from what I can remember (due to age!) enjoyed it and it helped me to start to get to know people.

Not sure I would do it now, would probably feel more self-conscious, although I generally feel less self-conscious as the years go by.

I am now in a more mixed engineering workplace, plenty of female engineers, but whilst the support depts have xmas dos, the engineers don't bother, which is sad. I used to enjoy an annual dinner and disco. DH also in engineering and they just go out for drinks, no proper do.

Hope you go and enjoy it.

I'll go with you! I love Christmas dinner and I assume there'll be plenty of booze? Pick me up at 6, we'll get a few drinks in at the Slug and Lettuce first.