How to escape social gatherings this festive season?
Tags: Christmas, Festivals, Life Lessons, Self Improvement, Life

Dear Friend,

I hope you are doing well, I know I don’t know that for sure but hey, you can always email me at agna1920@gmail.com if you need a friend. I’m here. That’s the reason I always start with — Dear Friend.

So, guess what? Holiday season is here, just around the corner. Can you believe it? Another year has gone.

But this year isn’t actually over, not without those festival gatherings right? For some of us, it’s painful, really painful. I get that, due to lockdown, I know many of us have developed anxiety, nervousness and what not.

After not actually meeting people for so long, it’s hard to communicate with them face to face. And some of us even want an escape from all those gatherings because let’s be real, the people in those gatherings can be too much sometimes, let it be acquaintances, friends or relatives.

And those of you who can play the fall sick card, you people are lucky! I can never play that card so perfectly and even if I did, I had to attend those gatherings because staying home is not an option.

Now, the main question — HOW to ESCAPE those painful FESTIVAL GATHERINGS?

To be honest, if you are already in the gathering, there’s no way out and might as well endure it. But here’s a trick that has helped me.

ARRIVE AT A DECENT TIME

Ahn, arrive at a decent time, a time when you know that everyone will probably be there.

GREET THEM BEFORE THEY GREET YOU

Yes, greet them. Geez, don’t get mad, just read the full point.

I know you don’t even probably want to talk to these people but, if you go up to them and greet them first, then they won’t have any reason to come to you afterwards. Because there are so many people a person has to meet that most of them don’t have much time and you can always pretend that you saw someone you know and go to the next person.

Beware, if you let people greet you, conversation is going to be a lot longer. That’s why greet them first!

Believe me, if you do this first, you’ll feel sooooooooo relieved.

STUFF YOUR FACE WITH FOOD

After you are done with the first step, then it’s time for the food! These gatherings have a lot of good food, don’t miss out on it. And the fun fact is, if people see that you are busy with your food they won’t disturb you.

Even if you don’t do the first and second step, this step will still help you. For extreme measures, you can act like a really messy eater.

Now that you are done with those steps, you are kind of relaxed and pleased. Your nerves have released the stress and you feel light.

You can find yourself a spot, plugin your earbuds, listen to a song and act like you are talking to someone with all those hand gestures and stuff.

OR

You can go ahead and actually talk to people. There might be someone you like at that party or gathering. After all, you did greet them and know what kind of vibe a person has. Moreover, festival gatherings are the only time you meet so many people. And you may find someone you can relate to. Go ahead and talk to them! Because at first, it may seem intimidating and scary but once you start you won’t feel stressed.

Because at the end of the day, it’s all in your mind, it’s a psychological thing right? We think it’s intimidating, that’s why it becomes intimidating. BUT if you follow the steps I have told you then, I’m pretty sure, a lot of time will have passed and you will probably be very relaxed and chill, which will put you in a good mood.

And, these things MAY work and MAY NOT.

You MAY find someone you can relate to or you MAY NOT.

But that’s a choice/a decision you have to make, because that’s how life is, it gives you choices and you have to choose.

And if you don’t choose then maybe someday you’ll regret it or maybe not. In the end, it’s all on you.

So, enjoy! I know you need that. So, let go of yourself and enjoy! After everything that’s been going on in the world, it’s time to enjoy!

Enjoy all those drinks, food, awkward moments, the nervousness, all of them.

Who knows, maybe in the future, you might be telling someone special all about these things.

Love

AGNA