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Social Guide to Summer Parties – 5 Tips for Having (and Being!) Fun!

by Karen Elizaga | Posted: June 4th, 2010 | No Comments »

summerpartyideas2-3138Today begins the second official weekend of summer, and parties are underway. A number of women have shared that they don’t always feel totally confident in these party situations, where they are meeting new people and perhaps seeing old friends they haven’t seen in a while. Does that sound familiar? Do you fret a little that you won’t know anyone? that you might be relegated to the wall? that the other partygoers may be a lot more fabulous than you? that you don’t have any interesting stories to contribute? Here are 5 tips to get you through.

  • Go to the party with a smile on your face. Literally think about the fun you will have at the party, the confidence you will bring, and the interesting conversations you will have. Having a positive attitude going in will give you the engaging energy you need. And then, once you get there, that smile on your face drops the barrier between you and others.
  • Introduce yourself and say hello to everyone you see. Believe it or not, other partygoers may be as, if not more, nervous than you are to be there. Your introduction just paves the way for them to be comfortable around you, and conversation will ensue.
  • Open up your body language. As hard as it may be, keep both hands at your side (or at least one hand, if you’re carrying a drink in the other). Crossing your arms across your chest, while comforting, will close you off to conversation. It says you’re disinterested, and it makes it harder to approach you to start a new conversation or even to continue a conversation.
  • When talking to someone, ask questions! People love talking about themselves! Ask them about their lives, where they’re from, what they like to do, if they’ve traveled recently… If you ask questions and interject a few commonalities here and there, your conversation partner will find you very interesting (when in reality, you’re just encouraging them to talk about themselves).
  • Have an arsenal of other conversation pieces at the ready. Check out the latest news – political, celebrity, local… keep yourself abreast of enough of them so that you can participate in conversations that come up. Topics that are fun – favorite reality TV (you will get polarized but light conversation around these), recent bargains (whether restaurant, shopping, travel deals), insider tips (best club, hairstylist, dentist). Everyone loves sharing stuff that they feel strongly about!

Have fun! Oh and make sure you’re wearing your sunscreen!

Karen, I love this guide, and how timely. I am shy at parties, but I do love people and learning about them, so you're right, asking them about themselves is a win-win. Thanks. There is always a common bond if you look for it, and dig a little deeper. I would add tip # 6, please don't check your blackberry or phone when chatting with someone! A friend shared with me that she introduced herself to someone at a social benefit and the person googled her right then and there.

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