Lack of social grace
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One point of protocol that I have learned is that the big happy hour day is Thursday and that it starts as early as 5:30 pm. People will oftentimes cut out of work a tad early and grab a drink or two. But I am still clueless as to what goes on on Fridays. Do people leave work, go home to change and then go out again? Or do most offices have Casual Friday and working professionals go out directly after work. How do Sunday Fundays work for that matter? I know people are out and about - I see them sitting outside on the sun dappled patios, enjoying mimosas and bellinis. But how do they get there? What is the dress code?
And when are you supposed to engage people to participate in these activities? Monday? Wednesday? A week in advance? This doesn't even broach the topic of mingling social circles and whether or not that's appropriate. Do you see the quandary I'm faced with?
I would love to go, grab a drink with friends. Just something as simple as that. Or am I making it all too hard on myself?
All of this social protocol makes me want to just curl up with a book every evening and just call it a night.
I wish I could help but I'm a bit out of touch too. I do think people head out straight from the office though. (that's when you need a drink the most no?)
ReplyDeleteIt does all sound a bit complicated.... I used to be a social butterfly, until I had kids. Now? Pffff...... Hopefully you can get some useful advice from others without kids, rather than the clueless mom over here. :)
ReplyDeleteI try to plan out my time about a week in advance - in between visiting my family, spending time with my boyfriend, and carving time out for myself, not having a routine would probably exhaust me! I am always down for girl time, and sometimes, a quick drink for HH does just the trick.
ReplyDeleteI always carry a few makeup essentials, a jacket/cardigan and an extra pair of heels in my car, should something unexpected comes up, say, on Wednesday night. I usually look so frazzled and frizzed out by 6PM, that if I show up straight to a restaurant, most will have thought I haven't slept in days!
In any case, 2-3 days is a good enough amount of time to reserve time with friends and make room in one's schedule. Hope this helps!
Can't help you, girl, as I have no social life, but I hear that once you offer to pay for drinks, all bets are off.:P
ReplyDeleteCurling up in a ball reading a book sounds nice, but sometimes it's even better for a little human interaction. Many time I force myself to go out, and end up very glad that I did so.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I will be mentioning you tomorrow for my 150th post. :)
funny isn't it. it is all as natural as anything, once you're in that groove. but step out for long enough and it seems a mindfield.lol
ReplyDeleteask around...
Oh, I never get around to do things like that any more - not since I got the kids! I´m totally out of the loop! :-D
ReplyDeleteI love it . . . and I'm right there with ya! So. No help whatsoever.
ReplyDelete=) I can totally relate! And yet, I think you're probably being too hard on yourself. The people having the most fun are the ones hardly thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteI find this post amiusing :) I feel the same way about a lot of this stuff. I think in the end, there is no protocol. When you want to grab a drink with friends, just ask some friends to grab a drink. Bottom line. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI have no answers, but I love how neurotic you are about this. makes me feel not so alone :)
ReplyDeleteIf there is a social protocol, I have no idea what it is. I just text or email people to see when they're free and go from there!
ReplyDeleteAs a mom to a 5 year old my social calender is not as spontaneous as it used to be, so I guess I now follow the 'social protocol' if there is such a thing! LOL! Hope you are having a wonderful day!
ReplyDelete-Jyoti
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Despite being so chatty online, I'm really shy. If I didn't force myself to do things, and throw parties (I love to do it) I'd be right in front of the computer.
ReplyDeleteI have always been super social and make friends easily! Then I got into college and I got married, and I just find making friends is a totally different game... maybe its because we all of a sudden are forced to hang out all day with the same people? Im not sure, but I find making friends as an adult WAY harder then I did growing up!
ReplyDeleteCurling up with a book is a wonderful alternative to almost EVERYTHING!
ReplyDeleteI meet lots of people at the local dog run --most of them lovely.
I am old so am way past the bar scene!
Have a super weekend.
Oh man, marriage totally plays a part in the "social calendar." I also feel that living in a bigger city, like Houston, I'd rather go home than sit in traffic for 2 hours to grab a beer and then attempt to drive home afterwards. It's just not worth it!
ReplyDelete