I would consider myself a reserved and socially awkward extrovert. I love to go out and be in the hustle and bustle. I really enjoy just walking around Target or the mall and just being with people. And people watching. However, I hate small talk. It’s so awkward to me. I don’t know what to start talking about. Being in small groups of people where I don’t really know anyone freaks me out. I rarely say anything just to be talking. If someone invited me, for instance, to a party they were hosting to show off a specific product but I didn’t know anyone going, I know that I wouldn’t go. It would just be too much of a hassle and too awkward. Enter online parties.
So, there I was, on a Thursday night, in my PJs “attending” an online party. Actually … it was two parties and a LuLaRoe live sale. *facepalm* All the while, the clock was ticking toward my toddler’s bedtime and the baby was going to wake up hungry any second. One of the parties was more of an informational class so it was mostly videos; the other was an actual party for an online home décor company. And of course a Facebook Live sale for the new holiday leggings from LuLaRoe. All of them I was relatively interested in, but I probably wasn’t going to actually purchase anything. I just have a hard time committing when it comes to buying something I haven’t seen in person. Looking at you, LuLaRoe leggings. I was with my family and in my PJ’s, sure, but I wasn’t actually spending time with anyone.
Was I really enjoying a relaxing, commitment-free online party? Or, was I being held hostage to my comfort zone? Online parties promise to be convenient, hassle-free, do-it-from-your-phone events on your couch. You don’t have to interact with people in someone else’s house (or your house). You don’t have to worry about childcare or wrangling your kids in someone else’s house (again, or your house). You don’t have to make snacks and drinks for everyone or vacuum and clean the bathroom. You can sit, enjoying the solitude, while simultaneously partying with people all over the country. It sounds unreal, actually. It truly is amazing what we can do with technology now-a-days. I think it is awesome that you can share your passion, your business, or even host a party on social media. It allows you to invite way more people, it is basically costless, and it takes less planning. Honestly … I think I might love the idea of online parties.
Still, I don’t think we need to totally neglect the in-home parties either. There is a lot to be said for those as well. For instance, you can actually see and touch the products being sold, maybe even test them out. It gives you a chance to actually talk face-to-face with new acquaintances. You can have a real conversation with the consultant and hostess of the party. It gives you a chance to get out of your normal routine and try something new. Or maybe you know you already love the products so you go to help the hostess and consultant get other people to love them too. Sure, being in someone’s house with people you barely know who are all trying to sell you something could very well be the definition of awkward. Trying something a little inconvenient and uncomfortable is hard, but it can be good for you to experience a little awkwardness now and then.
I think either way you go, it is important to stand your ground and say “no” if you are over-committed or busy. It doesn’t do anyone any good to say “yes” when you know that you won’t be able to attend, in-home or online. But, if you haven’t been out of the house in while maybe you should go to the in-home party or host one yourself. I don’t think we need to give up on hosting or attending parties in someone’s home. It might be awkward, but you never know what could come of it. If we stay in our comfort zones all the time, we never get to experience new things. I didn’t know that I liked coffee until I tried it, and now it’s one of my favorite things! Maybe I know that I won’t like being in some else’s house, but I don’t know that I’m missing out on the makeup/bags/oils/whatever because I haven’t tried them yet. I hope you see my point!
Share your experience with an online or in-home party in the comments!
