An invitation to a Christmas party might strike fear or happiness in the recipient. Good news for those who hesitate to answer every social call out of fear of boredom or regret: new research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology supports this approach. It implies that turning down social invitations is totally OK because most people will understand if you give them a good explanation.
Getting Through the Social Season: A Personal GuideThe Perfection of Retraction: Julie Burchill’s ViewpointExperienced in social situations, Julie Burchill values her privacy. Looking back, she says that there’s a thrill of love when she cancels a meeting before she does, which emphasizes how important it is to know what one wants. Burchill describes how a special justification—such as an Aircast boot owing to Charcot syndrome—provided the ideal cover for skipping festivities.
The Story of Marion McGilvary, The Queen of ExcusesMarion McGilvary, a self-described party animal in spirit, acknowledges the difficulties of real attendance. She describes her fondness for making up excuses such as sprained ankles, sore backs, headaches, and babysitting in a lighthearted manner. Meeting pals for coffee one-on-one, according to McGilvary, relieves the social demands associated with larger groups.
Roland White’s Mastery of the Party Excuse ArtA maestro of party excuses, Roland White shares a selection from his repertoire that includes dog-induced mishaps on party pants, unexpected illnesses, and unreliable autos. White highlights the challenges people shorter than average height have navigating crowded events by jokingly blaming his height for the difficulties he has at parties.
A Santa Mishap and Its Teachings: Rob Crossan’s StoryRob Crossan’s cautionary tale involves a Christmas party excuse gone wrong, complete with a fake Santa costume and a web of lies. Drawing lessons from this experience, he highlights the significance of efficacy and simplicity in celebratory party justifications.
Accepting Your Inner Bear: A Reflection by Libby PurvesLibby Purves admits that, as the year comes to an end, there is an innate desire to hibernate. Purves emphasizes the internal conflict between the need to be alone and the fear of coming out as ungrateful or impolite, despite the demand from society to take part in celebratory festivities. Many people have grudgingly accepted invites, according to research from West Virginia University, which emphasizes the value of a sincere relationship over required attendance.
In summary, the holidays provide a careful mix between social interactions and private time. Developing the skill of politely and authentically turning down invites enables people to customize their holiday experiences to suit their tastes. Recall that it’s okay to put self-care first and attend events that actually make you happy and interact with others.
