Dear Party Guests: You're Responsible For Your Own Fun
I am surrounded by celebrations. It feels like every week I'm at a friends bachelorette, wedding, engagement, or birthday party. Some of these parties are hugely fun, and some need a bit of life brought back to them. There is one main thing that makes the difference between a good and bad party. It's not the styling, the games or the food; it's the attitude of the guests at the party, and they've decided if they're going to have fun long before arriving at the event.
I've been noticing that in the lead up to a party that guests start talking amongst themselves about how fun they think a party will be, which isn't a problem... Unless the negative chat starts. Negative chat can be the begining of the end for a party. If people are positive and excited about a party there's no problem! Everyone's getting excited together, they're putting on their party pants and ready to have a great time. But... if party predictions are less than positive, it can be the start of a self fulfilling bad party prophecy, resulting in the party having a bad vibe before it has even begun.
The Power of the Negative Voice in Your Head
If you've had a rough week it is easy to let your mind talk you into negativity. I too am guilty of letting my negative thoughts take over, but it's also something I'm trying hard to overcome. If you're like me you've probably had an unintentionally negative conversation in your head which sounds something like:
Do I know anyone else who's going?
I don't really like/ know their other friends.
I'm a bit broke.
I might just drive so that I can leave when I'm ready.
I hope we don't have to play any games.
I don't have anything to wear.
I'm not going to look as good as everyone else.
Was I invited out of obligation?
Do I really want to go?
I'll just make an appearance.
And worst case scenario you end up at "Yeah, I'm not going".
Negativity is like Gastro. It's contagious, and it's shit. If you find yourself feeling negative about celebrating your friends milestone it's time to realise that the party isn't about you, it's about creating a fun & happy experience for the guest of honour. Time to give yourself a pep talk & put on your party pants!
Create a Positive Thoughts
I know. Easier said than done. Being negative becomes a habit, and habits are hard to break. It's better to break the habit now, instead of waking up at 80 years old and realising you spent years making yourself unhappy. You need to work to create a new habit of positive thinking. It's hard, but completely doable! When you start thinking negative thoughts about a party, follow it up with at least one positive thought.
Things like:
This is going to be AMAZEBALLS!
I'm really excited to catch up with *insert friend name*
I look really good tonight!
Ooh Cake! *salivte*
I'm going definitely going to take some silly selfies with my besties!
I love that *insert friend's name* wanted me to celebrate this exciting milestone with them! It's great to know I'm important to her/ him.
I'm going to try and talk to some new people so they feel more welcome. It will mean both of us have more friends to have fun with!
I don't love playing games, but I like that it's a great way to break the ice with people I don't know. It gives us something to talk about later!
I had a really fun time with *insert friends name* when we *insert crazy fun memory*
Wine = winning
I don't need lots of money or alcohol to have fun. I'm already fun.
If the party isn't your idea of fun, it's your job (and no one else's) to make it fun for you. A party organiser can create the conditions for happiness, but only you can give yourself a pep talk. Create your own fun, and create some positive memories. The party is going to be great because you're there.
Xo Jess
If you need help to plan a party in Canberra book a party planning meeting with one of our consultants. It will save you time, and help you create amazing party memories.
