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  #1  
Old 10th August 2016, 19:59
Northern Natterer Northern Natterer is offline
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Default Christmas Party stress in August!

So, the office Christmas party is being organised already. The team I am in recently moved departments (and floors) but are invited to the old department's party. Now I never go but someone said I may regret not going as it would be the last time we got invited to this department's do so why not say yes and put a deposit down and then I could always change my mind later (even if it meant losing a deposit). Then I spent ages thinking about what to do, even though I didn't want to say yes to going, and ended up sending an e-mail to the organiser saying to put my name down but that I'd probably change my mind (idiot that I am). I then proceeded to spend the entire weekend thinking about how I never go, don't want to go and what people think of me either way - decided I can't win whatever I do! Not paid the deposit yet - has to be given by the end of the month and now I feel awkward walking back into the old department on my own to pay it. Am thinking I'm just going to revert to the not going thing. I know that's the comfort zone but the alternative of going and just thinking about how and when I can leave is excruciating. What annoys me is that I even have to think about this stuff in August!
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  #2  
Old 11th August 2016, 11:17
Aelwyn Aelwyn is offline
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Default Re: Christmas Party stress in August!

If it's going to get you stressed for the next few months I don't see the point in committing yourself to going. It's probably better to have a step by step plan if you want to socialise more, but taking things gently, not throwing yourself into situations which might be overwhelming.
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  #3  
Old 11th August 2016, 19:57
steve2020 steve2020 is offline
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Default Re: Christmas Party stress in August!

I know these situations all too well. I always tend to avoid them now, unless it is some sort of family occasion that I can't get out of.

I was dreading my own wedding for four months before it happened.

I remember one occasion when I was in my late teens, where I got pressured into an office Christmas party at this big multi-branch venue, and I was so worried and nervous about how I would handle it that I began drinking hours before I even went. I ended up totally sloshed and then that made things even worse because the next day I was cringing about some of the things I had done and said, and it made me feel awkward at work, even though everything seemed to be as normal.

It also meant that my colleagues saw me as part of the social crowd and started inviting me to more things. It was all just horrible.

Thankfully I am at a workplace now (and have been for three years) where there isnt really that culture.
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  #4  
Old 12th August 2016, 19:47
Northern Natterer Northern Natterer is offline
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Default Re: Christmas Party stress in August!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aelwyn
If it's going to get you stressed for the next few months I don't see the point in committing yourself to going. It's probably better to have a step by step plan if you want to socialise more, but taking things gently, not throwing yourself into situations which might be overwhelming.
I know what you mean Aelwyn, that was fast becoming my conclusion. Not worth the stress by any means.

Quote:
Originally Posted by steve2020
I know these situations all too well. I always tend to avoid them now, unless it is some sort of family occasion that I can't get out of.

I was dreading my own wedding for four months before it happened.

I remember one occasion when I was in my late teens, where I got pressured into an office Christmas party at this big multi-branch venue, and I was so worried and nervous about how I would handle it that I began drinking hours before I even went. I ended up totally sloshed and then that made things even worse because the next day I was cringing about some of the things I had done and said, and it made me feel awkward at work, even though everything seemed to be as normal.

It also meant that my colleagues saw me as part of the social crowd and started inviting me to more things. It was all just horrible.

Thankfully I am at a workplace now (and have been for three years) where there isnt really that culture.
Steve2020, I think it is that whole thing where everything at a Christmas do feels even more magnified than ever and the talk after about what people did etc, photos and all sorts - I just can't cope with it all!

Thanks for the replies
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  #5  
Old 13th August 2016, 22:57
mj187 mj187 is offline
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Default Re: Christmas Party stress in August!

I always feel exactly the same. Ours hasn't been organised yet but I've already decided i'm going (pending the location).
I went last yr & it turned out to be not as bad as I had thought.
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  #6  
Old 16th August 2016, 22:11
Between The Bars Between The Bars is offline
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Default Re: Christmas Party stress in August!

If you dinnae want tae go to a xmas party, dinnae go.

When I worked, 1000 years ago, a just made any excuse possible, not to go.
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