Ask Sassy Snowflake: Office Party Etiquette

Dear Sassy Snowflake,

My office is having its annual holiday party next week. I really don't want to attend- I am not good friends with my co-workers, my holiday schedule is already jam-packed, and I never know what I should and should not do at this party (other than not drinking too much!). Can you help me make this party bearable?

Thanks,
Dreading the Forced Holiday Cheer


Dear Dreading,
I totally feel your pain. I am firmly of the belief that work and home life should not need to mix. But unfortunately, sometimes it has to. So, yes, I am saying you need to attend your office party. Your workplace will probably notice your absence, and best case, they are sad you didn't attend. Worst case, it hurts your career. But here are some tips to help make it tolerable!

• You are right on target with the decision not to drink in excess (even though it would sure make for a more interesting party!). You don't want to do anything you would regret. Make sure your guest follows the same rule. A friend of mine still talks about a holiday party where co-workers danced on the conference room table. Those co-workers were not as happy the following Monday when the CEO sent an email regarding the heel marks dented into the table...
• Do you have a close (or even semi-close) friend at work? I dislike networking, but one tip that helps me is to pair up with one of my close co-workers. She introduces me to one person I don't know, and I do the same for her. This way, you meet new people, but also have someone there who knows both parties to help with the conversation.
• Make fun plans for after the party. It gives you something to look forward to!
• I believe social situations make people more likely to say things they shouldn't. Even though everyone else probably wishes they were somewhere else, its not good form to complain about the party, your work, or your boss. You never know who may overhear, who you are speaking to, or who may repeat what you said. My strategy is to ask questions- let others do the talking. This particularly helps if you are nervous or shy.
• Finally, having been the "plus one" to holiday parties, don't forget your guest. It is likely they don't know many people (if any) at the party and have just been told they have to limit their alcohol (by you!). Make sure they are included in your conversations and don't leave them alone for long periods of time.

I hope this helps! If you have any more questions regarding your office party, let me know!

Yours,
Sassy