Are you a party person?

[kuhio98]

I'm not much into parties. I'm more of an introvert. Someone explained to me this way ~ When an extrovert needs to recharge their batteries, they want to be around a lot of people and feed off of that energy. And introvert needs more quiet and less people. That's me. In a large group of people I find myself getting tired and quieter and quieter.

[Karen]

I used to have a Bloom County cartoon taped to my desk at work simply because I loved it. It was Opus, the penguin, (objecting to nuclear war*), and the beginning of it went like this

"I like folks, all types all kinds
People are a weakness of mine
Slap my hind with a melon rind
But that's my penguin state of mind."

I've looked for it on the web and not been able to find it, but the whole thing is just great, and I heartily agree.

(*His point is "I like people - they shouldn't be blowing each other up!)

[slick]

The older I get, the less I'm into the party scene. When I was in my twenties and thirties my answer would have been a resounding yes, but now I'm more selective in how I spend my spare time. If I'm invited to dinner and I don't really like the company, I simply don't go. It's just that simple.

Around big crowds of people I don't know, I become this tiny, shy little girl that hides in the corner away from people and away from all conversation. I never know what to say and my insecurities forbid me from making the first move. So I choose to gather up the dishes, take them to the kitchen and clean up the kitchen...anything to avoid being in the "eye" of the party.

I handle small crowds of 5-10 people much better, whether or not I know them. It's a more intimate setting....not so loud and I feel more comfortable getting to know others.

All the people I know up here never give parties and I never host parties. Instead, I prefer to have 2 or 3 close friends over for dinner and share a good meal and a good bottle of wine. That's more my style these days.

[CagneyDog]

No, too uncomfortable. Especially when their is illegal stuff going on.

[king2005]

I picked other, as I enjoy small parties & small clubs (nothing too crazy), but I will go to a big party once in a blue moon with a group of friends.

[jenluckenbach]

The funniest part of this all, is that I NEVER even considered WILD parties with alcohol and smoking (as I would NEVER go to one of them). My original thought was being in a large group of people where they all know each other, but you do not. Feeling like an outcast while the others all huddle in their little groups having a good time.

Now that catnapper has posted I can explain a little (and Kim, PLEASE do not feel that this is in ANY way your fault!!!!!!!) But I was at her baby shower yesterday. It was a great success, but not for me. I actually sat out on the front stoop for a while crying because I did not fit in. And I was so looking forward to this party. For WEEKS we were counting down the days, and then the old me, the shy one with no self confidence took over. DRAT! I am a failure.

I am so sorry to whine................ Feel free to ignore.

[king2005]

The funniest part of this all, is that I NEVER even considered WILD parties with alcohol and smoking (as I would NEVER go to one of them). My original thought was being in a large group of people where they all know each other, but you do not. Feeling like an outcast while the others all huddle in their little groups having a good time.

Now that catnapper has posted I can explain a little (and Kim, PLEASE do not feel that this is in ANY way your fault!!!!!!!) But I was at her baby shower yesterday. It was a great success, but not for me. I actually sat out on the front stoop for a while crying because I did not fit in. And I was so looking forward to this party. For WEEKS we were counting down the days, and then the old me, the shy one with no self confidence took over. DRAT! I am a failure.

I am so sorry to whine................ Feel free to ignore.

I've done the same thing SOOOO many times!! Your not alone, just keep forcing yourself out there & it gets a little better each time I started going to a small club with friends & I found that helped.. I was the onlyone that didn't fit in, but I kept going anyways. Then one day I was peeled from the bench & forced to dance with a bunch of girls my age.. that sure was freaky!!! I think I was sweeting like a pig & not really dancing.. then I didn't have a choice to dance as they made me by force lol.. after that I was able to relax, still didn't dance often, but I'm more comfortable in a small group of strangers.

[lute]

i prefer being a guest at a party. i can leave if something comes up. and i'm not blamed for all the drunks that are in the house.lol

[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!!).

[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....

[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.