I don’t enjoy big parties. In any crowd, you’ll find me on the edges glancing at the nearest exit. I don’t go to listen to bands at crowded indoor venues. I make an exception for Red Rocks because oh my gawd…it’s awesome.
That said, in general, I like people.
We’ve been at our current school for 2 years and I don’t know many other parents. I’ve been hoping it will be easier this year with our middle child starting kindergarten (as opposed to jumping into 2nd grade with the now 4th grader). So, having made the decision to be more social this year, I uncharacteristically offered to host the kindergarten parent party.
Now, I don’t think I was a BAD hostess, but I also wasn’t warmly greeting everyone at the door. I may have just left it open and let people wander in. I was busy in the kitchen pointing out the fridge (help yourself to beer!), the boxes of wine (all class!), and the make-your-own-margarita station (pre-mixed tequila…where’s the fun in that?). That’s important work.
I wish I could be the peppy cheerleader type with beams of sunshine out my ass. But, no. I make an effort, and I’ll admit it gets easier with a few drinks, but it never feels natural and is always exhausting. Still, despite my outwardly lackluster hostessing, I was totally comfortable with 25ish people I didn’t know being in my house. In fact, I think it made it easier for me in a lot of ways. Uncomfortable silence? Oh, excuse me I have to go do mumble mumble mumble. Need a break? Oh look, that mumble mumble is upstairs. Deep breaths, count to ten, slurp wine. I wore comfy flip-flops while other people stood in heels. And the best part? The majority of the house was all clean AT THE SAME TIME.
Any other introverts trying to be more social? Does anyone else feel like they have to work hard to appear friendly?
not type a 
Leaving drinks for your guests to serve themselves is always the way I host a party. I believe it was one of those helpful tidbits in the Calvert Guide to Entertaining Allison gave me, so clearly it’s approved.
How do you get the majority of the house clean all at the same time without locking them out? That one is beyond me and I have two less kids….
Publish this fine tome immediately!
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Amen! I love this:
“I wish I could be the peppy cheerleader type with beams of sunshine out my ass. But, no. I make an effort, and I’ll admit it gets easier with a few drinks, but it never feels natural and is always exhausting.”
And, no I really don’t go out of my way to be more social. No point in stressing yourself out on something that you don’t want to do in the first place. That’s my stance on it anyways 🙂 I applaud you though!