Whether by choice, between relationships or the hostess is short on space, a single invitation, many people have to face social occasions alone. Whatever the reason, it is possible for singletons to attend an event alone and still have fun.
Positive Mental Attitude
Many people find it helpful to think about the event, to picture where it is and what it will be like. They also see themselves meeting new people, smiling, chatting and enjoying it. Visualising a successful outcome can be key to actually attaining that outcome.
Enlisting the Help of the Hostess
When attending a social gathering alone, many invitees find it useful to remind the hostess they are alone. The hostess can introduce the single person to other friends and like-minded individuals. The hostess can also seat single people together at a wedding or seated dinner to ensure that the single person always has a companion and a good time.
Freshening Up
When arriving early, many single people find it easier to head straight to the bathroom to freshen up, than to stand alone. This buys the single person time and space to prepare for the evening ahead, whilst reapplying make up. Many people find the bathroom is a great place to strike up conversations with other guests, who are also, at that moment at least, on their own too.
A Glass of Champagne
Many people find it useful to have a drink. Sipping a drink allows single guests to survey the party landscape, while having something to do with nervous hands. They shouldn't gulp down the first drink and go back for five more. They should use it to become less inhibited and have a better time.
Taking a Camera
Many single people find offering to take photos is a great way to integrate with other guests. Asking people to get together, pose and make the most of the celebrations allows single people to strike up conversations and meet others effortlessly.
Assisting With Party Proceedings
If the party is being held at a friend’s house, many single people find it useful to offer to help with refreshments. Taking around drinks, canapés and talking in general terms to the guests allows single people to see who they'd like to return to after they've done their chores, and escape those they don't want to have too much contact with.
Being Fashionably Late
Many invitations say things like "12.30 for lunch at 2". Single people should time their arrival to minimise the time they will need to socialise. Arriving around or after 1.30 will give the single person enough time to meet people, but not so long that they’ve exhausted conversations and are looking for the exit. Arriving late can help the single person slip into a party unnoticed, however, if it is a sit-down meal, being late can make the single person the centre of attention. The single invitee needs to weigh up each event individually to get it just right.
Making a Night of it
Being single means being free! The single invitee can do what they want, when they want, with whom they want. They don’t have to sit with a partner who doesn’t want to talk to anyone else. They can enjoy the evening on their own terms and slip away at a time to suit them, be it 10 minutes or 10 hours later. It’s a great opportunity to go with meeting new people and maybe meet a new partner.
Always Accept the Invitation
In summary, using the single invitation as an opportunity for adventure is the way forward. Single people should never refuse an invitation, even if they feel awkward or alone. Getting out of the house and enjoying social occasions can be manageable and fun if the single person uses visualisation and coping techniques in advance of the event.
Johanna Tovey - Johanna Tovey has enjoyed a long and varied career as a through-the-line Creative (copywriter). Working at some of the world’s top ...
