Awkward at parties

My first holiday party of the season was not a wild success.

I was very excited about this party for a number of reasons:

1. It was being hosted by one of my favorite people.
2. ...who happens to live three houses down from me.
3. I got to get dressed up in a cute 60s dress that used to belong to my grandmother.
4. They always have delicious food and drinks. What can I say? I love punch.
   

When Saturday came around though, I was feeling a little off. The party started at 8 and I was still in bed an hour later, wasting time on the internet. I finally started getting ready around 9.30 and showed up at the party about an hour later.

I was now two and a half hours late for this party that was literally across the street from my house. I planned on using "traffic" as my excuse if anyone asked. Sadly, no one did.

Once I walked in, I realized I was in over my head. The apartment was packed full of people I did not know and it appeared that I had arrived too late to really strike up a conversation with any of them.

I found my friend, put my coat down, found my friend again, got some punch, and then realized the situation was totally hopeless. I was simply too awkward to do anything at this party. I quickly decided that the best solution was to cut my losses for the night and head home. I waited a few moments for a space to clear so I could put my cup down somewhere and then grabbed my coat and set out on the long walk home.

Somehow, this seemed less awkward than saying goodbye.

It wasn't. Particularly when I received a text message from my friend 15 minutes later asking where I was. Explaining my bizarre behavior would have been challenging over any medium, but I found it particularly difficult when there were character limits involved.

All told, I spent about an hour getting ready for a party I spent fifteen minutes at.

I think that might be a new anti-socialite record.