Are you a party person?

[Logan]

I love entertaining in my home and we truly don't do enough of it. Maybe now that we're finally getting our yard and home in better shape, we will do more. I think both Scott and I, and our children, like having people in our homes. Scott and I enjoy visiting with friends in their homes, too, when invited. Helen is always comfortable in those settings, as well. I sort of like it, selfishly, when it is just the 3 of us, attending other people's parties or gatherings because the other two children seem less happy, socially, and I end up worrying about them, rather than enjoying the company.

I'm like Karen. I'm very social and usually have lots to talk about with anyone around me.

Logan

[cyber-sibes]

Just depends on what's going on. I like to have friends over and cook big meals for everyone. I usually invite our "stray" friends that have no other family around over for holidays, too. And once in a while it's nice to go somewhere for a special occasion. We don't party much anymore, and "work" parties tend to be pretty boring - don't you spend enough time with these people?

[jazzcat]

I voted that it depends. I get pretty stressed out over hosting a party. I've only done a few. As for going I'm not extremely social but I almost always end up having a good time and am glad I went afterwards. It's kind of like pulling teeth to get me to go sometimes though.

I'm considering throwing a big catered BBQ for my Dad's 84th birthday coming up next month. I won't mind that so much because I'll probably have it at his house and I won't have to cook.

[Cataholic]

Very interesting thread!

I am not really a 'party' person, per se, since I go to bed at 830 pm, and who has parties before then? snicker, snicker.

I like people, and generally get along with everyone (really, I am telling the truth). While I don't love big crowds, it isn't because of a fear of people, but, because it is too hard to manage a conversation in them.

To all the people that say "I don't know what to say" or "I say the wrong things..." remember that most people just want a friendly face to smile at! Just go up and say, "Hi, my name is Betty, and I don't think we have met, have we?" or, "My name is Betty, I don't know a soul here, do you"? Really, if you do it five or so times, it works!!

I went to an party with my sister in March. I was one of maybe 3 people that didn't speak english! I just smiled, and said hello, and within a few minutes, people realized I was clueless, and instantly included me in the conversation! The easiest way to get it off the ground, just smile and say hello. (the non-talker has to take some initiative!!).

[Cataholic]

Hi Jen, I am definitely like you. What I say is I am not a people person. I am very uncomfortable around large groups of people even if I do know most of them. I am not a good conversationalist, so I don't say much.

This surprised me! I think you come across as very people-y!!

[PinkSunshine]

Nope, not a party person at all. I'm in college right now and have been to exactly 3 'parties' in the 3 years I've been in college. I'm just not a social person. I'd much rather be at home with my fiance & animals, then be out socializing....

[carole]

No i hate parties, going to them , having them,(although i am way more secure in my own surroundings, i would
feel nothing is good enough that i do) if an invite comes in i panic completely and get in a right state, but then i am social phobic, but it appears i am far from alone in that on PT,hate hate hate parties with a passion. I wish it could be different, it must be wonderful to feel happy and elated at going out to a social function, i so wish i could experience that once in my lifetime, I envey those who do.

Having said all that , alot of people would never guess i am that way and are quite suprised, i can hold a conversation one on one on problem at all, and most people find me friendly, but i am an introvert, my mother is the same, although worse IMO, honestly i believe it is genetic, i am lucky i have bred two children, especially my daughter who have not inherited my lack of socialising skills, infact Melissa i would describe as an extrovert, Scott somewhere inbetween, Hubby is also somewhere in between.

I believe alot of it comes down to lack of self esteem,and of course it is a fear like any other.,it is just very mis-understood, and is difficult for people to understand.

Jen i empathise with you 100 per cent, and understand where you are coming from, it would not necessarily be the people at the baby shower, it is really i believe down to you and how you are feeling about yourself at the time, from my own experience, i can handle some situations quite well at times and others i am a complete mess, even i cannot understand it myself, so no wonder others have difficulty with it ,please feel free to Pm me anytime, i have struggled with this all my life , but now have a inner peace with it all,because i have stopped trying to fit in and please other people, pick and choose my social events, which are far and few between, and only go to things i think i am capable of handling,although they say we have to face our fears to overcome them, for me that has not worked all my life, so now i am doing what is right and and comfortable for me and i am much happier and my anxiety is lifted because i do not feel pressured anymore, there are some things i just cannot avoid and must do,those are a challenge, but you cannot avoid some family outings and funerals that kind of thing, so one must do what one must do.

Take heart in knowing so many others on PT are like you and understand and wish to share and help you.

On a lighter note, that is why PT is such a great place for people who find it hard to socialise in public, here you can open up , be yourself and be the person you might want to be in person , if you get my drift, also a great outing for social phobics is the movie theatre, hidden in the dark, totally relaxed, oblivious to those around you, my fav outing.

[Mad Mags Moo]

Mmmm, tough one, when i was younger i would be the life and soul of the party always joking and laughing but now I am lonely, just got my cats, husband and my job. Worse since I moved down from scotland to england 4 years ago. More i don't go out the worse i get and worry that people don't like me.
Going off topic...sorry! Give me my pussy cats, hubby and some good films to watch and i am happy but i wish i could go out and let the old me out!

[Buddy Blaze Lover]

I actually LOVE parties, especially when we have them at our house, and I know everyone! (it makes me more comfortable) I will say, one of my favorite things to do is have company over...I always have a blast!!

[Tollers-n-Dobes]

No, not at all. In real life, I'm a very quiet person and it takes me a while to get to know somebody well enough that I feel comfortable talking to them. I hate being around a bunch of people I don't know and am always worried I'm going to say or do something really stupid by accident. If it's just a get together with dogs though (like a PT meeting or something) I'm just fine, I guess it's because the dogs give you and everyone else something else to focus on and something to talk about.

[Anita Cholaine]

It depends of who's invited... If I go with my friends and people I know, then I love them and have lots of fun. I would never go to a party where I don't know anybody well, though! I just find it really hard to start knowing someone I never talked to before....

[mruffruff]

Like Ginger, Jen, Slick and Carole, I'm not a party person at all. I can relate one-on-one (or two), but any more than that and I do and say dumb things. I have spent a few parties in the kitchen, bathroom or backyard. No matter what I do I can't seem to feel comfortable around lots of people. I can understand how some people can become hermits, although I don't want to be one.