Never That Bad

I AM VICTORIOUS!

That's right, dear reader, I went to the party. I had a good time! I was one of the last to leave!

As usual, I stress out way too much about an event before I go, psyching myself into not going. If I do manage to get past myself, and go, I usually have a good time. Of course, I over analyze everything after, often for a day or two after, sometimes for forever after (oh man if only this were a joke), but it is usually worth going to the thing.

Laughing and frolicking Santo Style

Last night was so much fun! It reminded me of the days when I went out and had fun on a whim, laughing and frolicking in the towns and the cities. Well, maybe not frolicking per se, but you get the idea.

I managed to get  my make-up looking decent (after fighting with my eye make-up for what seemed an eternity but was actually probably five minutes), only changed my shirt three times, and got into the car. The six mile drive was very easy, and even parking was not something to be sworn about. I even brought a gift! Granted, it was a hand made gift, and maybe my hosts don't like origami, or the colors of the paper, or...

One of my biggest personal accomplishments was that I said hi to everyone. This seems like a nothing thing, I know, but I even remembered their names. "Hi (insert friend name here)" or "Hey (so and so) it's great to see you! How's the ____ doing?" Not only did I say Hi, remember names (when I am nervous or panicky, even though I have known you for years and years, your name will fly out of my head and I internally explode from the forgetfulness), I remembered key facts. Like where someone worked, or how their pet was doing. I was on FIRE! Not literally...of course...that sounds unpleasant.

 I was also not alone in my...um...nervousness. A guy I have known since the dawn of TIME (meaning that I have known him - and the rest of this particular group - from when I was a very young teenager...like 14...) seemed just as nervous as I was. Which was shocking to me. I have always seen everyone in this particular group, let's call them the Nerd Group (in an affectionate sort of way. I will discuss the three main "groups" in my life later), as being strong, brilliant, uber successful, and not afraid of anything. I never think of them as having any sort of anxiety, these people own the world! They have houses, and cars, and probably buy frivolous things like ice cream and hats. Or ice cream hats. I have spent a large chunk of my life aspiring to be like them, or at least to fit in better.

All the rich and successful people have Ice Cream Hats.

ANYHOO....As I was saying...I never see any of them as having any sort of anxiety of problems. So, when I was feeling a little panicked, and was outside talking to a few people (strategically placing myself next to the back gate for easy escape), this friend of mine came out of the house with the same panicked look in his eyes that I had! He then said something about how there were way too many people in the house. Could it be true? Am I not alone? Could this pillar of a man know what it's like? I dared not hope. He had been kind enough to make me a margaretia, and when I had gotten swept up into a tour of my hosts house, he even delivered it to me! I had heard rumors that my friend didn't like social events, but I just figured he didn't like people, not that they made him nervous. Maybe he doesn't, maybe I am reading too much into it, but it felt really nice to know I wasn't alone in my social scaries.

Everyone else, all my friends from the Nerd Group especially, were wonderful! I managed to hold conversations, catch up with people, and no one was mean or snarky to me! I think I even managed to not be too snarky myself! I feel like I should get a Gold Medal in Socializing!

Gold Medal for Socializing, Witty Banter, and Not Being Too Snarky *bows humbly*

There were a few people that I was sure were going to be mean, or snarky. The last time in interacted with one gentleman, it ended very poorly. As it often does when I talk to him. He was there at the party, and I almost ran away, but he said hi and then I never saw him again. Maybe he ran away? Maybe his kids were tired and they went home early? Maybe he was inside socializing for hours, then left? Maybe he went to the Moon, with Steve? Whatever the case may be, he wasn't there, so it wasn't awkward for either of us for very long, which I am immensely grateful for.

All in all, it was a great time. Thank you so much to the hosts of the wonderful party! If they have an event again, I will be a lot more likely to attend, as it was a great experience. Maybe next time I will bring cake. Or cookies. Maybe I should try something Gluten Free, just in case....or juice? Oh man...(I will not stress out about a party that hasn't been conceived of yet. I will not stress out about a party that has not been conceived of yet...I wonder where I could get a good gluten free cake recipe....GAH!)