So you didn't stay sober and you are worried that everyone at the party you were at last night has a wrong, and probably lasting, impression of you? Not to worry-here's help!
November 29, 2005 (Press Release) --
You drank too much and danced on the table, told off your mother-in-law, kissed a co-worker without being under the mistletoe, broke the hostesses lampshade (it was on your head at the time), dove into the dancers as if you were in a mosh pit?
Obviously, staying sober is the best policy at any social event, especially when it involves people you are going to see again (eg. the office party). On the other hand, the holidays are a time to let loose a little. If you are worried that everyone at the party you were at last night has a wrong, and probably lasting, impression of you, keep the situation in perspective. The other party-goers probably know you were just in high holiday spirits and just got a bit out of hand. They may also have had "one too many" and might not even remember what THEY were up to, let alone what you did.
You aren't going to get any gold stars as a great guest, and acting outrageous in public isn't going to help your career (in most cases, anyway), but the worst thing you can do is continue to call attention to your behavior, again. Unless you physically assaulted someone or caused damage to someone's property, bringing it up again to explain will only make things worse. If you must explain or apologize for bad behavior, do it quickly and then put the incident in the past.
Actions speak louder than words. If the party was privately hosted and you did damage, do send flowers or a small gift with a note to the hosts, apologizing and offering to pay for the damage. Even a heartfelt but simple: "I'm sorry" may keep you from being bumped from guest lists.
If someone else mentions your outrageous display, don't get defensive or try to deny it. Just admit you were overcome with the "holiday spirit" but you know better than than. Say you are sorry aand you're going to be more careful in the future, starting right now. Then, let it drop.
And, for the future? Don't repeat your performance! If you must drink to blend, do not order your favorites. Choose something you don't really like that much and just hold it or sip it slowly. Be sure to order your own drinks and refuse refills unless you get them yourself. If someone pressures you to drink, say: "I am counting calories/getting ready for a marathon/allergic.." Above all, never leave a drink unattended -- someone might slip a drug into it without your knowledge that could cause you to lose control.
As to last night? Just chalk it up to experience--and make sure you're on your very best behavior.
Alison Blackman Dunham (aka "Advice Sister Alison") is the creator of the Advice Sisters Great Relationships Web Sites: http://www.advicesisters.net and http://www.advicesisters.com. She is also the author of the Everything Dating Book 2nd Edition (Adams Media, December, 2005) and Recruiting Love-Using The Business Skills You Have To Find The Love You Want (Cyclone Books, 1998). Both are available through the Advice Sisters Great Relationships Web Sites, or email: advicesisters@advicesisters.net
Obviously, staying sober is the best policy at any social event, especially when it involves people you are going to see again (eg. the office party). On the other hand, the holidays are a time to let loose a little. If you are worried that everyone at the party you were at last night has a wrong, and probably lasting, impression of you, keep the situation in perspective. The other party-goers probably know you were just in high holiday spirits and just got a bit out of hand. They may also have had "one too many" and might not even remember what THEY were up to, let alone what you did.
You aren't going to get any gold stars as a great guest, and acting outrageous in public isn't going to help your career (in most cases, anyway), but the worst thing you can do is continue to call attention to your behavior, again. Unless you physically assaulted someone or caused damage to someone's property, bringing it up again to explain will only make things worse. If you must explain or apologize for bad behavior, do it quickly and then put the incident in the past.
Actions speak louder than words. If the party was privately hosted and you did damage, do send flowers or a small gift with a note to the hosts, apologizing and offering to pay for the damage. Even a heartfelt but simple: "I'm sorry" may keep you from being bumped from guest lists.
If someone else mentions your outrageous display, don't get defensive or try to deny it. Just admit you were overcome with the "holiday spirit" but you know better than than. Say you are sorry aand you're going to be more careful in the future, starting right now. Then, let it drop.
And, for the future? Don't repeat your performance! If you must drink to blend, do not order your favorites. Choose something you don't really like that much and just hold it or sip it slowly. Be sure to order your own drinks and refuse refills unless you get them yourself. If someone pressures you to drink, say: "I am counting calories/getting ready for a marathon/allergic.." Above all, never leave a drink unattended -- someone might slip a drug into it without your knowledge that could cause you to lose control.
As to last night? Just chalk it up to experience--and make sure you're on your very best behavior.
Alison Blackman Dunham (aka "Advice Sister Alison") is the creator of the Advice Sisters Great Relationships Web Sites: http://www.advicesisters.net and http://www.advicesisters.com. She is also the author of the Everything Dating Book 2nd Edition (Adams Media, December, 2005) and Recruiting Love-Using The Business Skills You Have To Find The Love You Want (Cyclone Books, 1998). Both are available through the Advice Sisters Great Relationships Web Sites, or email: advicesisters@advicesisters.net
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