For starters, smart phones happened. I'm not blaming them, and I'm certainly not saying we should leave them at home because Lord knows they're a necessary evil...especially when you go to a "party" and there are no animals to pet and talk to.
But why have "parties" evolved into sales events? I have bitten the bullet a few times now and gone to some of these "parties". I can tell you exactly which ones. Attending the makeup party was a big mistake, huge. (Pretty Woman anyone?) Seeing as I use two makeup items on a fairly regular basis: eyeliner and mascara, and FOUR makeup items if I'm really getting dolled up (add eyeshadow and blush), I knew the makeup party wasn't for me. However, I thought I would help out a friend (who was begging me to come). I was the only person at the "party"...besides my friend and the consultant. I couldn't WAIT to get out of there.
I've also been to a jewelry party. I only knew the "host" of the party, and she seemed really nice, so I went. I was planning to go to the gym straight from the party, so I showed up in my yoga capris, tank top, and tennis shoes. Oops. Nobody told me that you're supposed to dress the part of jewelry party attendee. My backdrop for necklaces and earrings was less than desirable. How was I supposed to decide which pieces were mine with this ratty racerback tank as the canvas?! Needless to say, the four other women at the party acted like it pained them to be nice to me.
I went to a purse party once as well, but that one was actually bearable. I think it was because there wasn't an official consultant there as far as I could tell. Or maybe I just went late and missed the whole song and dance. I don't remember, but what I do remember was that it wasn't that bad. Or maybe I was too hungover. Or maybe I was still drunk. Who knows. Any of the above scenarios were pretty much par for the course in those days.
When I went to a crawfish cookout a few weeks ago, I half-expected someone to come out at some point and give a sales pitch about seafood and tell us to "play" in the shrimp. Hmm...actually, that would be one party I might not *mind* attending. :) Luckily, it was just a cookout with no strings attached.
I got an invitation to a Tupperware party. It's next week. As much as I really need to put myself out there and meet people, I just can't bring myself to do it. Unless this Tupperware is going to magically organize itself in my cabinets and prevent Tupperware avalanches, I just can't get excited about it. I'm not good at faking the whole "Oh, this is FABULOUS, and I MUST have it!" attitude. So that leaves me with two options. Go, and seem like a complete bore/snob because my eyes don't sparkle when I'm told to "play" with the Tupperware, or decline the invitation and just appear "busy". I already know what my RSVP will be...