Throwing a party can be nerve-racking. How do we get over anxiety so we can get together?It’s Saturday night and the entire back half of the tapas restaurant is packed for my friend Ivy’s birthday dinner.Ivy is queenly at the centre of the table, bouquets and little gift bags crowding her elbows. Multiple lines of conversation flow above the small plates, and drinks and desserts keep coming, because no one wants to call it a night. It’s an unequivocal success. Continue reading...
The article explores the anxieties surrounding hosting social gatherings, particularly the fear of low turnout or awkward vibes. Psychologist Marisa G. Franco advises that the greatest risk in social interaction is avoiding it altogether, emphasizing the importance of taking chances. The piece highlights personal stories of hosts grappling with these fears and the broader decline in party attendance, as evidenced by a 2023 YouGov survey showing a significant drop in social event participation. Factors contributing to this decline include learned loneliness, reduced leisure time, and housing constraints. Franco suggests strategies to mitigate these challenges, such as inviting reliable guests, co-hosting, and creating structured events to foster connection. Despite these obstacles, the article underscores the importance of social efforts to combat isolation and strengthen relationships.
