Parties are a lot of fun, and spending time with good people is even better! You may have been asked to attend a party recently. Although you couldn’t be more excited, you may not have been social for a while. So, you need to brush up on your party-going skills.
Here are some things to keep in mind to make socializing at a get-together smooth sailing.
1. Ask the Host if You Can Bring Something
Before going to a party, it’s common to ask the host if you can bring anything. Even if it’s only a small get-together with a few people, it doesn’t hurt to ask. For example, you could get something as simple as chips or fresh cookies from a nearby bakery.
Showing up with food to a get-together shows you care and that you want to help out. Even if guests don’t like what you bring, at least you made an effort.
2. Find Out What Type of Party it Is
If a friend invited you over, but you’re not sure if it’s due to a special occasion, just ask. You don’t want to end up going to a dinner party dressed in jeans (although, it probably won’t matter).
But, if it’s something like a Birthday party, it’d be a good thing to find out. You don’t want to show up only to find out that you’re the only one who didn’t bring a Birthday gift!
3. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Attending a get-together is the perfect time to get out of your comfort zone. If you feel tempted to cancel and not attend, don’t. Enjoying other people’s company is rewarding. It improves your mental health, and you get to improve your social skills.
So, even if you’re an introvert, getting out of your comfort zone is essential sometimes. Then, after attending the party, you’ll be happy you made an effort to show up and socialize.
4. Watch Your Non-Verbals
During a get-together, you should be in tune with your verbals and your non-verbals too. Your non-verbals say a lot about you. For example, if you’re tired, yawning, and slouching, it can come off as you’re bored.
Whereas if you hold someone’s eye contact while chatting with them, then you’re being engaged. Actively listening is another action that shows a person you’re in tune with them.
Even if you’re tired or don’t feel like conversing, make a point to pay attention to your non-verbals. Friends want to spend time with someone who makes an effort and not someone who’s distracted.
5. Be Friendly to Everyone
Not all get-togethers go smoothly. Someone may be at the party you’re not particularly fond of, which makes things challenging.
Even if you disagree with someone’s views doesn’t mean you can’t be civil, though. If the event is for a family member or friend that you care about, be friendly for their sake.
Otherwise, a party can get ruined by someone saying the wrong thing. If things are really bad, stay away from the person. Or, if there’s a spot that you can escape to when things get awkward temporarily, that can help too.
6. Bring a Friend Along
You may have a friend who doesn’t have a lot of friends and needs company. If so, bring them along! They can have fun spending time with you and getting to know new people.
Another reason to bring a friend along is that you may need a buffer. As mentioned, you may not like everyone at a party. Having a friend as a buffer makes it easy to escape conversations and chat with people you do like.
7. Smoke Outdoors
If you attend a party set indoors and there’s not a lot of space, be courteous to other guests. If you want to smoke, don’t smoke indoors. Friends at the party may be alright with you smoking marijuana, for example. But there may be other people there who may not be.
The best decision is to smoke in an open space away from people. Besides, there’s also the issue of other people getting a contact high from you smoking near them. Veriheal has an article that discusses contact highs more in-depth if you want to learn more.
Conclusion
With all that has transpired globally, spending time with friends and family is important. Maintaining that connection is vital since distance has become the modern norm.
Of course, as you attend parties, be courteous of guests and chat at a safe distance. If possible, stay close to open doors and windows.
But health concerns aside, a party is the perfect time for you to let loose and relax. Let the world’s cares fade away, and live life to the fullest!
