The Cocktail Party

You are on your way to a cocktail party. The directions there are a little confusing at first but you sort them out. Once outside, you notice how nicely the lawn is manicured and how handsome the front door is, surrounded as it is by sculptered shrubery. You hear the noise of the party within and can't wait to join the festivities. You ring the doorbell and are immediately greeted invidiualy by most guests.

The party itself is in large single room. The hubbub of the crowd surrounds you,a mixture of laughter and conversations. Most are barely distinguishable but now and then you hear bits and pieces of people talking. All are enjoying themselves, the liquor is flowing freely, and now and again someone steps out for a smoke. All good friends enjoying each other's company.

Despite the welcome at the door, You become somewhat uncomfortable with the situation. Unlike every one else, you are a relative newcomer to this the "in crowd". You hang around the bar at times and stay to yourself. But then you try approaching a group of people and entering their conversation. But these old friends don't know you and you do not share a place in their history. You receive a polite and a waiting silence. Finally you get the hint and move back to your place of anonymity. The group of old friends resume their conversation.

Now and again someone, for example the hostess, will check in to see how you are doing. You want to scream out your frustration at not being able to join in the festivites. You are like a child excluded from the games of other children. Occasionally a guest will indulge in a brief pleasentry (you are, after all, standing by the bar). But you are, for all intents and purposes, invisible.

Srangely enough, you notice that you are not the only person who is alone at the party. Standing around the side of the walls and in the corners of the room are people who are not partaking in the festivities. You try approaching these people but they quickly vanish, They too have been neglected by the main group party-goers but have chosen anonymity.

Sometimes when you go you to the bathroom you peek into the other rooms. The party is going on there, too, usually with fewer people engaged in a deeper discussion. You're are welcome but you are told that ypu must engage in the discission under way. The hostess is sweet and will take you aside, if necessary, to one of the those in the special rooms, and talk with you about your problems. But it is made clear that it is your responsibilty for becoming part of the party below. Nevertheless, when you try to rejoin the party, you are alone.

Pop Quiz!

Given the circumstances, you decide to:

  1. Remain a wall-flower until the party ends.
  2. Get stupid drunk on the free alcohol.
  3. Leave the party, go home, and forget about it
  4. Give up all hope of ever fitting in and commit suicide.