To Party or Not to Party..THAT is the Question!!!!!

Why not make an appearance at your work party? You never know how it might feel until you try. Just go, say hello to whomever you know, make some small talk and then if you aren't enjoying yourself, leave. Then see how you feel about Saturday after that. The distraction might make you feel a little better (I always feel better when I busy myself) or if it's draining then tell your girlfriends you caught a cold or something, stay home and please don't curl up in a fetal position. Instead, read this site or write to all of us. Maybe read some other sights. Blueworld posted some amazing articles on my Rough Day post. One was really helpful and made me laugh at myself. Also, if you chose to go on Saturday, I will tell you, that oftentimes, hearing my married friends talk about their lives actually makes me feel better about being single, because honestly not too many people are truly happy. It's sad, but think of it this way: their stories are written. Yours is still at the beginning. You still have falling in love with a good man to look forward to (if that's what you chose to do). My heart goes out to you though because I so know how you feel.

go out and have fun, step outside yourself, and be an observer, stay as long as you feel comfortable, I doubt anyone at the work p[arty will be staring at you, it is your perception only,go live your life, F... the narc!!!!

These are mere predictions on your part. You company party, every knows you, correct? They would probably stare at you if you BROUGHT someone, they will expect you to come along. Go, have a nice time. The cookie exchange party? You would be surprised! A lot of women like to get out and talk about anything BUT their husbands and kids. If the conversation is geared towards that, change the subject. Bring up interesting topics that they are able to converse in. It doesn't have to be all or nothing. They have other interests, but they rarely come up because the common denominator is "family" for them. I am sure talking about other things, like books, movies, etc, would be welcomed. Besides, you have 3 kids, you can discuss Motherhood and the children. You have more in common with these people than you care to believe right now. It is easier to stay home, in bed, feeling bad about things, that's for sure. But once you manage to pull yourself together and get out of your own way and out to these festives functions, you will feel much better! Even if you go for a little while, go, why not. Your bed will be there waiting for you when you get home. :) Have fun and enjoy! Don't let this narc cripple you like he is. That's what he wants to do you know. Take your power back! :)

I agree! Go along! You don't have to stay for too long if it gets uncomfortable. Sometimes with parties I find that the ones I've dreaded have turned out to be great fun and the ones I have looked forward to have been terrible! So you never know, you may go along and have a brilliant time. Being with other people will take your mind of the ex narc. Let us know how you get on!

Get your butt up and go have some fun... No drinking.. You need to get out..even if it's baby step.. Go for a little bit.. Hunter