Party Twists

AS WE GET OLDER, ATTENDING PARTIES SOMETIMES FEELS MORE TIRESOME THAN FUN, ESPECIALLY IF THE FORMAT HASN'T CHANGED FOR YEARS. BUT GATHERING TOGETHER IS A HUMAN NEED, SO READ ON FOR SOME IDEAS ON HOW TO SHAKE UP YOUR NEXT GATHERING SO THAT GUESTS HAVE MORE FUN THAN EVER BEFORE!

- PRIYANKA ACHARYA

Many of you remember your parents toting you along to dinner parties throughout your childhood. If you were lucky, there were other kids to play with, but either way, you probably passed out on a sofa or in a guest bedroom, the background noise of chatter, music, and laughter lulling you to sleep. Once your parents finished their late dinner and said multiple rounds of goodbyes, they’d swoop you up and take you home in a dazed state, and everyone would sleep in a little later the next morning.

What this common memory shows us is that humans are tribal, and we all feel the need to gather together periodically to loosen our neckties, break bread and feel connected with our peers. When I moved from the U.S. to Chennai, I was startled at how often Chennaites got together for such events, from casual hangouts in pyjamas to cricket match viewing parties to fancy themed soirees at 5 star hotels. A multitude of factors makes it easier for us to meet up without needing much notice, and everyone certainly takes advantage of this to maximise their social life.

However, as we grow older, we have less time and energy for attending parties both big and small. After a long day of work or domestic duties, collapsing into the couch with your spouse and kids feels more nourishing than getting dressed to go out, imbibe alcohol, and make conversation. Introverts especially find it exhausting to initiate and maintain small talk, even if it is with familiar friends. That said, FOMO is a real affliction that affects most of us, and many people force themselves to attend gatherings even if they are not in the mood because they don’t want their bonds with others to weaken and eventually fizzle out.