It was a mere two months into my first job after graduating college when I was asked to represent my company at an awards ceremony. Eager to wear my fanciest dress and enjoy a free dinner, I immediately said yes - no questions asked. In hindsight, I should have asked at least one question: is anyone else going with me?
Spoiler alert: Nope!
I arrive at the ceremony location, pick up my name tag badge, and scan the room. It dawns on me that I know not a single other person there. Panicking, I mentally go through my options as to how to SURVIVE the cocktail hour before dinner. I could A) hide in the bathroom until it’s over or B) mingle like my life depended on it. Because it really felt like it did.
I chose option A. (Of course I did!) I beeline it to the Ladies’ and lock myself in a stall. After about 20 seconds of standing there, I realize I could not do this for the next 52 minutes. So I pivoted to option B.
Luckily for me, there was a cheese table with a truly lovely assortment of cheeses, fruits, crackers, and even a honeycomb. So I get in line, turn to the person behind me and ask, “So, you like cheese?” Worked like a charm. We’d start talking, moving through the line, and fill our plates with snacks. Then we’d stand awkwardly in the middle of the room, as one does, and chat for a bit longer. The conversation of course would come to an end not too long after that… so I get back in line to start all over.
They always warn you how “there ain't no such thing as a free lunch.” I wish I had been warned how hard I would have to work for my dinner.