So, it’s my job to plan the company Christmas party. I’ve only been here since March, so this is my first one.
I did the head count and I had to face the realization that I am the only person who doesn’t have date. I haven’t been on a date in ages. Partly this is because all I do is work.
I have two male friends that normally stand in as ‘emergency’ dates, but both are going to be out of town. What’s worse is, my boss has decided we should have this party at a place where there’s dancing.
I’m not looking forward to being the loser sitting by myself, but I’m guessing it’s pretty rude not to go to a party you planned, especially your first year on the job.
I don’t expect anyone to have any answers, I think I’m just venting in hopes that it will keep me from crying at my desk. Please, spare me the speeches about going alone being empowering. I’m not going out to a resteraunt, I’m sitting in a private room full of couples.
Generally, I’m very happy with my life. I hate that I feel so depressed all of a sudden. I’m going to come back from Thanksgiving (with my folks, where my mother will tell me how the clock is ticking and I should get serious about finding a man) to this party. I hate this time of year and all it’s attendant social occasions to beat a person over the head with the fact that they’re alone.
Bah. Maybe I will go cry in the bathroom a little.
I met my fiancee there. I was reluctant to try online dating, but was so depressed that I couldn’t meet girls anywhere (and the ones I did work up nerve to talk to were all married) that I finally let my brother-in-law talk me into signing up.
A month later, ladybug and I were on our third date, and she was the fourth woman I had gone out with…
Just be honest about who you are and who you are looking for. And put up a good picture of yourself. Don’t lie or misrepresent yourself.
And if you just want casual dates, say so… a lot of people use it for just that, and it’s perfectly OK.
Heh. I am newly single, and will be going to the company party stag.
I thought to those I know who will be going, and everyone is bringing someone - EXCEPT one other gal. I talked to her to make sure she was going, and she felt relieved to know I’ll be there alone, too.
My fear is not necessarily being there solo, it’s the fact that a co-worker may decide to be “nice” to me and ask me to dance out of pity. No thanks!
Funny enough, the past two years I skipped the company party because my BF didn’t want to go. So I’m really going this year just because I can.
I could tell you to look at it differently, but I’ve been where you are before, and I’ve been pissed about it. And I don’t think that someone telling me to “buck up, little camper” would have helped. But at least you know you’re not the only single gal out there who’s alone at the company party.
Also, remember that this is really a work situation, no matter what the trimmings. Just go and schmooze. You have to see these people in the office again, so it’s not like it was going to be a real chance for romance to bloom anyway. Just hang out with the older, married folks for a couple of hours. We’re always glad to talk to a new face.
I find it hard to believe that everyone will have a date at the company party. If that’s the case, just make sure you don’t leave with anybody.
Anyways, all the couples aren’t going to be dancing together (at least I think). Certainly there’ll be some swappin’ going on. I mean who the hell spends a whole party dancing only with their date? And everybody won’t be dancing all at the same time leaving you alone, in a chair, with a spotlight on you. People dance in groups or the guys are a bunch of stiffs and the girls want to dance together…it’s a very fluid situation out there on the dance floor.
Same thing here. I dunno how many of the other folks will have dates, but it is kinda of annoying getting that reply e-mail saying, “I got your RSVP, I have you down… SOLO!!! BWA Ha ha ha ha!!!”
(Examples may be exaggerated.)
Anyway, being 21, I doubt anyone I’d meet in the meantime would be interested in a Occupational Medicine company party.
We’ve got a pretty small company, and everyone is young (CEO - 36. We’re a surviving dotcom). Everyone but me and one of the IT guys is married. Most of them are in that “I’ve been married less than 5 years and kiss my wife in the parking lot” place. Most of them have been around since the founding and are very tight personal friends. I’m their assistant so it’s not like we socialize anyway. But I can’t not go.
Hey, Troy, you win. I at least can make my people sound cool. (Not that they actually are, but I’m in marketing. I spin)
Hey, I’m in this position too, scout! The last other single in my office but one is getting married on Saturday…
OK, have we got a single lady Doper in the Niagara Falls area up for a Christmas party at the local uni? It’s all the food you can eat and all the booze you can drink, absolutely free…
I always get invitations that say Siegfried and Guest. I just got three of them today for various holiday parties that I’ve been invited to (one is a coworker’s party and another is the office Christmas party). It doesn’t really phase me anymore to RSVP with something along the lines of, “Yeah, I coming to the party, and I’ll be coming alone.”
I’ve pretty much realized that I’m going to be single for a significant portion (and if not all) of the rest of my life. It makes responding to my friends’ invitations more fun.
“Yeah, my date and I will be coming as soon as I pick her up from the corner of Main & University.”
“Yeah, I’m bringing a date, but I’ll need a corner of the bathroom to set up her kitty litter box.”
“As soon as I get the air pump working again, Airen and I will be there.”
“We’re coming, and you’ll love my date. She’s a Real Doll.”
Feh. All you twenty-somethings moaning about lack of dates. Try being forty and not having a date to the company party. When all your co-workers talk about their families and kids, and all the single women at work are fifteen years younger than you and look at you like you’re a fossil, it’s a little hard not to feel like a leftover.
Partly for this reason, I haven’t gone to the company party for the last couple of years. Some how I let myself get talked into it this year, and I just realised that it will be this Saturday. Maybe I’ll let myself get run over by a bus instead.
sigh
And I’m traveling the online dating route, but it hasn’t led to any clicks, either.
Nonsense: “Obsidian’s dating service: matching up losers and workaholics worldwide”
About me: I’m routinely at my desk until well after 7PM. My skin is turning that wierd white shade due to lack of sun exposure. I’m garunteed to have to cancel on you at least once a week. Like talking to voicemail? Great! I’ll even booty call you when I stumble in at 11:30 on tuesday, but I’ll probably fall asleep before you get here, so you might want to bring a playboy. Also, my cat will probably drag your socks into the litter box.
Actually, can I just solicit a local Doper to come by, take me out back and shoot me humanely like I probably deserve? As payment, I’ll take you to my company party first, where you get free booze. I’ll even wear a low cut shirt.
Speaking of work, I should be doing it by now. I have to make my 7:45 yoga class.
It sucks.
And this year, I am also the only single person in the entire company. I don’t want to go to the company party. (Luckily, I didn’t plan it, so there’s no reason for me to be there other than office politics).
I’ve decided to skip it…I hate this time of year. I’m sick of the world being designed for couples.
