The Holiday Party
Ahh, one of my favorite topics: the holiday party. There is one rule of holiday parties: someone is bound to get drunk and make an asshole of themselves. Funny, if it's your boss or coworker (or their date)...not so funny if it's yours.
Having always worked in large companies, and having attended holiday parties where I've seen CEOs have to physically separate (married) managers who were making out with their colleagues, I personally wouldn't bring a date. I like to keep my personal and professional lives completely separate. I have a work personality and social personality, and the two just don't seem to want to be in the same room for very long. I prefer to avoid pesky little details like having to rush to the bathroom because I don't want to leave my date unmanned with my coworkers for too long. But that's just me.
Here are some things you should potentially consider before you think of taking dude along:
1. Is this dude long-term? If you don't see a long-term possibility, then don't take him. Taking one dude to the holiday party this year, and another dude next year is not a good look. And even though it shouldn't, things like that could potentially affect your mobility in the company.
2. Will you be ok leaving him alone for long periods? If your boss were to strike up a conversation with him, do you feel confident knowing that he'll know how to handle himself and not embarass you or reveal things you wouldn't necessarily want your boss to know about you?
3. What's the size of your company? If it's a small, intimate organization where everyone knows everyone else and are all involved in each other's lives, then you don't want to seem like the odd man out by not bringing a date.
4. Does he have proper etiquette? Etiquette is more than just knowing which fork to use. It's about dress code, inside voices, and alcohol tolerance, etc. If your dude doesn't own a suit, or doesn't know how to speak softly (or properly), or will drink any quantity of alcohol as long as it's free, then maybe he's better suited (no pun intended) for the social parties.
Although I'm not particularly a fan of corporate dudes, I still like to date a guy who is comfortable in any situation he might find himself. My dude must be a "Tims to Tux"guy.
So, ask yourself these questions and if you're 100% confident that the answers are all in your favour, then bring him along. If it's even 3/4, then ask yourself one last question:
Do you feel lucky?
posted by SimplEnigma @ 11:09 PM
13 comments
13 Comments:
If you've been dating him for 2months, I don't see the problem...I mean, it's just another social function, and unless he's already shown you that he's got the social skills of a rhino, I don't see an issue.
and besides, its not like you're introducing him to your family as your fiancee.
It's funny how many people feel compelled to show up with a date...like some sort of social armour..
Good Advise once again...
i doubt its that serious...if ur dating him for 2 months he must be an ok dude. if its just a fling thing then bring a friend...
I agree with Irie Diva. Sound like you're thinking WAAAAAY too hard on this one. Only she knows the culture and nobody cares if you bring someone else a year later. Unless she is introducing dude as her husband, who cares.
And that Timbs to Tux thing. Intelligent women still on that nonsense? Every man is not a thug nor looks like one. I wear Timbs and suits, but what does that mean to a woman? I'm no more thug just because I'm wearing them.
@Search: The time I got most drunk in my life, it was because of nerves. I drank a lot trying to calm myself. Sometimes, someone could have all the social skills in the world, but get nervous and do something out of character.
@CP: Like weddings, not quite sure why people feel the need to always bring someone JUST because the thing says "+1". But that's just me.
@Irie Diva: Different strokes for different folks. All my experience has been corporate...I fervently believe that I would not be a VP right now if I was the type to bring different guys to corporate functions. I've heard Senior Managers talk about employees who've been "loose" at events before. I know it's wrong, but they do and it does hurt some people's career mobility. I've seen people fondle colleagues inappropriately at these type of events; heard others invite colleagues to "swing" with them and their spouse and all other types of things that happen when people have a drink in 'em.
@Mista A: "Tims to Tux" is an expression. Relax. Not all people who wear Tims are thugs, and I wasn't trying to imply that...just the concept of being able to dress appropriately for the occasion.
i guess i'll keep that in mind...i work for a large corp an the bf works there also so its never been an issue. where i worked before was small and intimate and christian minded and VERY gossipy, still never stopped me from bringing a dude i was dating so i guess as u seh is jus different personalities...
how about the culture? u think this would matter so much in JA? hmmm or maybe it would matter more the position of the woman...maybe if this was a manager or higher she'd be scrutinised by such behavior indeed, fair or not.
the drunk thing now...it really wudnt be a good luck having dude or chick drunk at the party but hopefully after two months u'd kno someone's drinking pattern and again going back to the big company thing if my partner got drunk i highly doubt my superiors would even get a chance to notice...
LOL @ not commenting on anything before "Tims to Tux"
I've seen people fondle colleagues inappropriately at these type of events
lol SE, where do I find colleagues like that? :D
how about you don't go to the holiday party?
SE: Now wedding is different, wedding (based on past experience) you need the armour, from all the old ladies who keep asking you what's wrong??
hmmm... so what about if a co-worker wants to take you the the holiday party? Retard why do you want to take me when I'm already going?
*is this the mentality that's keeping me single*
lol at adrian and onika
work parties bah! too much gossip and action. Take him to the party as long as he behaves himself and have fun.
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