The (Introverted) Pipe Smoker's Guide to the Office Christmas Party

[aldecaker]

Sharks never stop swimming. A great many people get ahead not because they are good at their chosen profession, but because they are good at getting ahead.

 

[warren]

aldecaker: You hit the nail flush. Lotta truth in the "Peter Principal." It's always fun to watch, unless you are a subordinate, someone muck around when they are promoted past their capabilities.

 

[deathmetal]

In this life, there are people who do things because they are right or excellent.
To everyone else, life itself is a means to an end.
Personally, I love parties. Office parties are fun if not mandatory, but even then can be salvaged. The point is to enjoy people by having actual compassion (not the misguided vernacular) and understanding where they are coming from and accepting them as they are. It is sometimes a challenge, but always instructive, and you get to see the best side of people.
That being said, I also understand those who are home with the blinds drawn. Humanity is terrifying.
My only caveat to that is that you are here, in a virtual social gathering, talking about real-life social gatherings, so clearly you have no objection to socializing in itself.
Fascinating topic and hilarious, wonderful article.

 

[mso489]

warren, I admire your clear-headed approach to partying. I guess as a kid I was a romantic and was looking for some kind of emotional pay-off that didn't happen, although luckily it did just going out after class with my classmates for a beer, etc. But it's true, a purely tactical approach to social gatherings is essential. Eventually I did that, and did it sufficiently well to get on in life, but the fascination and charm that many feel about parties completely eludes me. It's strictly like nailing shingles on a roof, hard work. You got the game theory going and perhaps that actually made it enjoyable, which is a sensible approach. For me, even the game is hard work, not fun.

 

[warren]

I've always set goals and made decisions based on whether or not what I did got me closer to those goals. The single most important was to see that my family was well provided for, loved and the kid prepared for life in competitive world.
I'm asocial by nature, not anti-social. This site is generally peopled with enjoyable people. I am able to pick and choose when to interact so, no pressure. When I was a lot younger I could even work up a bit of envy for the "party animals." But, to go to a party just to go to a party was never that appealing to me.
edit/addendum: I forgot to mention that I don't need to be wearing pants to socialize on this site. A party or two in college was very much like this site in that point. More girls though.

 

[alexnorth]

In going next Friday.. In looking forward to it though. Food, drinks and going home early.. :puffpipe:

 

[sthbkr77]

Tonic with a lime is the extent of my cocktails these days. That said, I was fortunate and went out of town and had to miss my company party last week. Bummer

 

[bryguysc]

I don't mind going to office parties. I like to sit in the corner and sip a drink while watching coworkers. This year, our company rented out part of a brewery for our party, so it should be a fun watch. I'm definitely bringing a pipe!

 

[warren]

That's an important consideration to remember when attending a party. Someone is always watching and accessing, the boss, a co-worker looking to get ahead, a spouse, always someone.

 

[crashthegrey]

Ha, that was a great guide. I switched firms 7 months back after 8 years at my last place. I had just kind of gotten used to everyone and the Holiday parties. This year, it is co-workers only and in the Office. I feel like we're having a television party. It's going to be incredibly awkward all over again.