I'm a bad person
Co-worker hand delivered a festive party invitation she had designed complete with driving directions (from either side of town.) This happened on Monday. "Cool", I think, "I have a whole week to think of excuses." So all week I have been giving emoticon smiles when she im's me about this detail or that detail. Do I think she should serve alcohol? Do I think she should have games in reserve or let people mingle?
"Umm...have you even met me?"
I don't like people. I mean, I don't wish them any harm, but I don't want to hang out with them. One type of person recharges their energy by going out and being around people. The other type recharges by getting away from people. I am from the second camp. Being around people too long drains me emotionally faster than you can say, "bob's your uncle." I had to work in close proximity to Co-worker all week. More 12+ hour days than not. I need two days away to recharge.
But I feel sorry for Co-worker. She has explained the intricacies of her special egg-nog that she is preparing . I offered to bring something. I'm from the midwest. If you go somewhere you bring a salad or cassarole or you might as well have just hurled an insult. No, she says. She has everything planned out. I suspect, and am afraid, that she might have a theme. So today I decide it is time to feel out the situation. "So how large is this gathering?" I am crossing my fingers for open house-ish large, but am undercut with "oh, just 7 or 8 good friends."
"Oh, how fun! I can't wait." There is no way out. Too few people to dodge the soiree without it being a big deal. So I will go. And I write all this out thinking what a bad person. I am Scroogier than Scrooge.
Ten minutes into my arrival, I'm suggesting any physical game that I can fake a back spasm and need to leave.