LIFE & COMMUNITY expert advice
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all the way Easy conversation starters and survival tips for those who are dreading this most social of seasons.
With invites for parties pouring in, the social set—who revel in mingling at shindigs—are in luck. But for those who struggle to chat up family, friends and strangers with ease, shmoozin’ around the Christmas tree comes hand in hand with anxiety, discomfort and the desire to be home with your significant other watching your favourite festive flick. Thankfully, there are coping strategies to carry you through those fêtes without breaking a sweat. Here are some top tips for navigating holiday soirées with grace and confidence. You might even enjoy yourself!
Coping at the annual company party
Welcoming extra guests at friends-mas
Hate to break it to you, but this one’s a must-attend. Your best bet is to look at this as another duty of your job. It’s totally OK to show up late and take off soon, but there are advantages to arriving early: The crowd and activity will be less intense, which will make it easier to have conversations. If you’re desperate to bail, say you have a previous commitment, which is perfectly believable during the busy holiday season. But make sure you get face time with your manager to thank him or her for having you, then slip out.
So your friends have invited plus-ones to your traditionally intimate holiday gathering. Try to adopt the “any friend of Jane is a friend of mine” attitude, if only for one night. Truth is, the plus-ones are probably feeling out of place among all the girlfriends, so be inclusive. Bring new folks into the mix by chatting about favourite movies, restaurants and books, but keep inside jokes and gossip out of it.
Conversation starters •What are your plans for the holidays? Are you travelling? •What projects are you looking forward to working on next year? •What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at the office?
50 | CANADIAN LIVING NOVEMBER 2017
Conversation starters •Do you make New Year’s resolutions? What are they? •What was your favourite part of the past year? •What movie did you last watch? Was it any good? •Tell us your hidden talent! •What job would you be terrible at?
ILLUSTRATION, ISTOCKPHOTO
TEXT LISA VAN DE GEYN
