[1]
Lately, I’ve been writing about reaching beyond your comfort zone. On Saturday night, I decided to take my advice. I RSVP’d yes to a house-warming party way across town, hosted by a friend’s friend who I only met once, where it was unlikely that I would know anyone. As a motivating force, I thought it could be an opportunity to network [2]. During the week leading up to the festivities, I gave myself pep talks, remembering that guests at the party won’t notice that I’m alone. It’s not like there’s a LOSER sign pasted on my back. I set a tangible goal. If I could hand out one business card, it would be a success. I arrived at the party and surveyed the sea of strangers. Should I go to the bar first or head straight into the crowd. Frozen in place, a man came up to me and said that he was hired by the host to socialize with people who looked adrift. BUSTED!! We chatted amiably for 20 minutes, I handed him my business card, and turned around and went home.
Illustration by Ella Frances Sanders [1]