Office Xmas Party: Am I the only one in this predicament?

Question

Well summer has drawn to an end, daddy-long-legs have woken up and plans are under way for our office Christmas party already!

Ever since my divorce and resulting health set-back, I have developed trust issues relating to friendships of any nature. While this has proven good at preventing any sort of recurrence of the past, I have this perennial problem. For the last couple of years our company has been very generous and have invited 'partners' to our Christmas party. This year we have plans to celebrate it at a plush venue in London. So now I have a dilemma. Who to take? Should I go? I feel awkward being the only single and unattached person there and don't want my colleagues to feel awkward either.

Now, I don't hold any expectation of finding a date from this question, so don't read too much in to this!

I'm just curious to know if there are any others who face this dilemma and what they intend to do to resolve this matter?

Words of wisdom are encouraged, welcomed and appreciated.

Answer 1

Your question is very articulate and refreshing.

Well if i was you i would go alone. I know people who have done this. We are all alone at some point in our lives. Your colleagues will recognise this and respect you for your brave decision. Don't miss out on the fun. Miss right could be at that very venue on that night (maybe with another party or as a unattached guest of a colleague.)

Life is full of opportunity, and opportunity usually comes when you least expect it.

Don't miss out. Good luck and enjoy!

Answer 2

There is an option for partners to join us at our Christmas party and the past two years I've gone alone as I have been single. I don't think there is anything wrong with going on your own, especially as I'm sure people know your personal situation. You should feel the need to be a couple with someone just because everyone else is. And I do know that is easier said than done, like I said I've gone on my own two years running (have a b/f at the moment but not sure to ask him as haven't been dating long).

If being on your own really is something that you're not comfortable with, why not ask a friend to go with you?

Either way, I wish you good luck and happy holidays albeit a bit early!

:o)

Answer 3

Well, if it's really that much of an issue for you, try combatting it with a little humour.

Clearly you feel that your workmates are all coupled up and it makes you feel left out at office party time.

So get one of those blow up dolls, stick a dress on it and take it with you as your partner and ham it up all night. It will guarantee you get plenty of attention and therefore inclusion in conversations, while serving as a very visual reminder to your colleagues to show a bit of consideration of your feelings, but also showing that you have a sense of humour about it. It's better than moping in a corner, sinking a bottle of JD and muttering about your ex, or just missing out on thew whole event, surely.

Having said that, there's a few months left until the silly season, so you might even get a non rubberised date - if you don't try, you won't know!!!!

Good luck!

Answer 4

well look christmas is another few months off yet, so I think you shouldnt worry too much about it - you could easily meet someone between now and then. Failing that why not bring a friend withyou - it can be purely platonic - hell bring a guy friend if you have to - its not like anything is going to be read into - they know you've been married!
All in all its a party - at these things a lot of couples end up going their seperate ways for part of the night anyway to go chatting and that kinda thing.

Answer 5

Yes, you go to that party. You have certainly earned the right to go. Let's see,health problems(which you seemed to have beaten),a divorce(you are not the only one that has),you have had quite the year.
If you don't want to take a specific "date", how about a family member? Who would not want to go for a free meal and cocktails?
You do not have to feel awkward(I know,easier said than done)
You work just as hard as anyone else in your company,so go.
I have been the only single person at a work party,quite a few times actually...and it was great. I got to talk to people that I usually never had time to talk to,sometimes with dates,you feel obligated to stay with them.If you go to the party by yourself,endless possibilities await you.
Hold your head high,and be confident,even if you have to fake it.
AND have a great time.

Answer 6

You shouldn't feel as though you maybe left out. Take the opportunity to go and have a good time. Don't rush into a relationship just because you think that you need to. There are bound to be other people there that maybe in a similar situation as yourself. You never know you may strike up bond with someone unexpectedly. Take a chance and don't shy away.

Answer 7

Go along, Your colleagues will make sure are included, you wont be left to feel like a gooseberry. You cant stay at home like a wallflower and just think, there may be some other singledoms there from other companies and who knows. Stop worrying about it, it's months away. Be positive when you go and you will enjoy it, things are never as bad as you think they will be.

Answer 8

Go with your heart ,everyone will tell you something different but at the end of the day be true to what you are feeling
Believe me no big fuss will be made if you decide not to go. The ones who pressure you to go will not worry one way or the other
IF YOU GO ALONE = FINE
IF YOU DONT GO = FINE
IF YOU TAKE A FRIEND OR ESCORT = FINE
See HOW YOU FEEL AND WHAT IS MOST COMFORTABLE FOR YOU

Answer 9

I'd go on my own if I were you, why take a date just to keep up appearances. So what if you're single. Big deal......surely you can't be the only un attached employee!!!! Have a good time and don't worry yourself over it.

Answer 10

Ask a female friend to go as a friend if you feel u must take someone,but dont rush and do anything u arent comfterable with, and dont worry what others think or feel if u choose to go alone.