Have you seen this shirt? "Sorry I'm late. I didn't want to come." No, you can't buy it and wear it to the party.
When we were young, parties were a big thing. As you get older, you become more discriminating. If you are going to attend an event (especially one where you pay for your ticket) you want to be around people you really like.
But sometimes you are attending an event because it's important to your spouse. Maybe it's a family wedding. It could be your school reunion. That little voice in your head says: "Must I go?" The other little voice says "Yes, you must."
Here are 10 ways to make the best of a bad situation:
1. Dress well.
If you are going to meet up with your high school rivals or socialize with the side of the family that never thought you were good enough, you want to look your best. Details matter. Get your hair done and your shoes polished. Wear your best watch. Now is the time to bring out the designer purse.
2. Research the guest list.
You don't dislike everyone! Maybe there are a few folks you wanted to avoid, but there might be movers and shakers in attendance too. Figure out who they are and prepare a few talking points to carry you beyond "I just wanted to introduce myself."
3. Prepare to put in the time.
You don't need to stay the full three hours, but you can't leave after 15 minutes either. Plan to stay at least an hour and be an active guest.
4. Greet your hosts.
Someone put you on the guest list or organized the event. They are the guest of honor of master of ceremonies. Shortly after you arrive, approach them and thank them for including you. Repeat the process to say goodbye once you are ready to leave. This shows respect. It also establishes you were there.
5. Circulate.
There might be people you wanted to avoid, but that impossible. It's a better strategy to seek them out and greet them in a polite, upbeat manner. Compliments are very useful right about now. You might feel both you and they are playing a role. You are. It's called being civil. This defuses the tension of wondering if they are going to find you first and say something uncomfortable.
