The end-of-year staff party
Yes, it's that time again. The year has zoomed past and it's back to the Christmas functions. My work's social club had a formal end-of-year dinner last Thursday. I enjoyed myself - curry, chit chat, odd desserts and dance floor - but in some ways I felt like a visitor in a foreign culture.
Because I am a Christian I felt strongly obligated to place constraints on my behaviour. I would not flirt with tipsy women, except in jest. Neither would I flirt with tipsy men, except in jest. I chose not to do things that harm my wellbeing, like smoking various substances or drinking beyond excess. I did not yell, curse, act like a fool, or mock others. I was afraid to drink too much in case I said exactly what I think, or did something I'd regret.
As we partied into the night and the drinks kicked in, my co-workers lowered their inhibitions and focused on having a good time. But I could not lower my constraints - so enjoyed myself until the party got to the stage where I was too uncomfortable to stay on. Because to stay on risked my workmates' behaviour bumping against my constraints, and the rebuff and behaviour contrast would make things less fun very quickly.
Not that my workmates were drunken louts - they're good people for the most part who are welcoming, friendly, and look after each other. A few don't even drink at all. I recalled a discussion with Allan recently about whether drunkenness reveals your true nature, or just distorts it. Allan said that alcohol brings out a person's carnal nature, but inhibits the spiritual nature. I'm inclined to agree. It was interesting seeing some true personalities and neuroses rising to the fore that night.
Another thing I've become aware of, and saw it again that night: middle-aged women hit on young men just as much as middle-aged men hit on young women; only the latter is less acceptable now. It's never serious and can be amusing. Such innuendo is always one way, I can't do anything with it! The flirting could stem from the middle-aged woman's desire to be young, firm and sexy again. Or maybe because they've "seen it all, done it all before", and they know there's no consequence from it, they are free to say what they want and have some fun with it. Probably a mix of both.
Staff parties are strange beasts, because they place people who usually interact in a work environment, into a party setting with lots of alcohol. Odd and amusing stories result (none I'll share here!) but for me there's always the element of caution - how to behave, how to react, how to speak. In some ways I wish that element wasn't there, but it's part of who I am and the life I've chosen.
Because I am a Christian I felt strongly obligated to place constraints on my behaviour. I would not flirt with tipsy women, except in jest. Neither would I flirt with tipsy men, except in jest. I chose not to do things that harm my wellbeing, like smoking various substances or drinking beyond excess. I did not yell, curse, act like a fool, or mock others. I was afraid to drink too much in case I said exactly what I think, or did something I'd regret.
As we partied into the night and the drinks kicked in, my co-workers lowered their inhibitions and focused on having a good time. But I could not lower my constraints - so enjoyed myself until the party got to the stage where I was too uncomfortable to stay on. Because to stay on risked my workmates' behaviour bumping against my constraints, and the rebuff and behaviour contrast would make things less fun very quickly.
Not that my workmates were drunken louts - they're good people for the most part who are welcoming, friendly, and look after each other. A few don't even drink at all. I recalled a discussion with Allan recently about whether drunkenness reveals your true nature, or just distorts it. Allan said that alcohol brings out a person's carnal nature, but inhibits the spiritual nature. I'm inclined to agree. It was interesting seeing some true personalities and neuroses rising to the fore that night.
Another thing I've become aware of, and saw it again that night: middle-aged women hit on young men just as much as middle-aged men hit on young women; only the latter is less acceptable now. It's never serious and can be amusing. Such innuendo is always one way, I can't do anything with it! The flirting could stem from the middle-aged woman's desire to be young, firm and sexy again. Or maybe because they've "seen it all, done it all before", and they know there's no consequence from it, they are free to say what they want and have some fun with it. Probably a mix of both.
Staff parties are strange beasts, because they place people who usually interact in a work environment, into a party setting with lots of alcohol. Odd and amusing stories result (none I'll share here!) but for me there's always the element of caution - how to behave, how to react, how to speak. In some ways I wish that element wasn't there, but it's part of who I am and the life I've chosen.
posted by Andrew | 10:08 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home