is it bad if i dont go to the christmas party tonight?

Editorial Team / Admin · Dec 13, 2008

Hi, missmiamoore,

I think you answered your question:

I find it hard to resist when I am in social situations...

No, it's not bad to not go to a party. You know your limitations. Don't put yourself into this situation. And, don't feel guilty for not going.

tntrn, ASN, RN · Dec 13, 2008

I'm skipping mine tonight, and for a much less important reason that yours: I just don't want to go. Anymore I don't feel much a part of the unit as I once did. Part of that is my own thing: I work per diem, have a hubby who is retired and therefore I'm just not as available to them as I was before. The other part is that I have few "warm and fuzzy" feelings toward the NM, and I'm sure it's a reciprocal thing.

I'd rather stay home than go and have to force the make nice thing.

You, OTOH, have a perfect reason to forego the festivities. Bless you. And congratuations on your strength to know what is best for you.

floatRN · Dec 13, 2008

I think that is a very good reason not to go. I have only made it to one unit Christmas party in the last 4 or 5 years and usually it is simply because I just don't feel like going.

JB2007, ASN, RN · Dec 13, 2008

Do not go to the party if you do not want to go. I have missed many events related to work for simple fact that I spend enough of my time with the people from work. During my free time I want to be with my family. I will tell the people at work this if I am asked and most people respect my choice.

loricatus · Dec 14, 2008

As I sit and type this I should be getting ready for the Christmas Party at some fancy hotel. Just don't want to go and no amount of pressure from management was going to get me to go.

I know that I will have Hell to pay and have already been vindictively scheduled to work 16 hours on Monday (6A-midnight) because I said I am not interested in it. I was also told repeatedly that I should be grateful for the open bar and that it wasn't cancelled due to the economy. Finally, I told the NM that they should be grateful to me that I will be saving them money by choosing not to go.

Why would I want to incur an expense to spend the evening with people I despise (correction-90% I detest) because they find pure enjoyment in making other people miserable. I am sure they are not going to miss me or my husband and we will not be missing them.

RNperdiem, RN · Dec 14, 2008

Not everyone enjoys parties.

I personally find parties painful. Standing around trying to make conversation and wishing I was home makes parties worth skipping.

Any alcohol related incidents will be remembered and can only be used against you.

BethT · Dec 14, 2008

It takes a strong person to acknowledge that you shouldn't go for those reasons, good for you. Stay home with some take out and a good movie!

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 14, 2008

Not everyone enjoys parties.
I personally find parties painful. Standing around trying to make conversation and wishing I was home makes parties worth skipping.

:yeahthat::yeahthat:

Vtachy1 · Dec 14, 2008

Well, I have been at the hospital in our small town for 18 years. Never once have I been to a Christmas party. There is alcohol there, and I am repulsed by alcohol. My father in law is a severe alcoholic with alcoholic dementia. So I think you are a good person with a whole lot of wisdom. I hate alcohol and what it does.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Dec 14, 2008

Stay home. And I'm with the other party haters.

I'm also sober by choice and necessity, a day at a time. Don't put yourself in a tempting position. I don't know about you, but Susan drunk is not a good thing, nor is it short-lived.

Happy holidays, honey. Stay home and safe.

Batman24 · Dec 14, 2008

Don't go and don't feel a tad guilty about it. You come first.

I don't have an alcohol issue but I still don't like work parties. I adore my co-workers but when I have a night off especially during the holidays I want to shop, go out to dinner with hubby and friends, watch movies, and snuggle on my couch. These are things I enjoy in my off time so if I want to pass on a work party I do so and without guilt.