CP NEWS: How to Party With Friends That Don't Mix

[ddm-news]

-By Shalwah Y. Evans

Let’s face it. Just because your friends are wonderful to you doesn’t mean they’re dreamy to everyone else. It isn’t easy trying to mix friends. When worlds collide, it can get downright nasty. The following tips will help you avoid a comrade tug of war.

1. Get a table (or a cozy booth if possible).

Being at a stationary spot at the club, even only for a few minutes, forces everyone to be together. Take that opportunity to tell your friends how much you appreciate having all of them there and show them how excited you are about the night. Even if it isn’t a special occasion, they’ll be less inclined to ruin the night after your corny speech.

2. Reintroduce your friends to each other.

Sometimes people hold grudges because of a bad first encounter. CJ doesn’t like Stanley because he called him AJ all night the last time the groups went out. And Stanley actually just had a little too much to drink. Reintroduce everyone, even if they already know each other’s names. It’s like a fresh start and if nothing else it clears up the CJ/Stanley kind of mishap. Who knows, they might even laugh about it after Stanley says, “Oh your name is CJ? I was so drunk last time I kept calling you AJ.”

3. Don’t force bonds...

...but encourage any natural and voluntary interaction. If for some crazy reason you find your friends together in a dance circle and (gasp) actually having fun, join them. Don’t push people together into a grinding position. But if they naturally start to get along, enjoy it. Remember, they probably won’t be shopping together or making a Cold Stone Sunday ritual the next day. But if your friends really love you they’ll probably put differences aside for you for one night.

4. Allocate your time wisely.

So let's imagine the worst case scenario: the groups of friends absolutely can't stand each other. Here's what you have to do: spread yourself around. Spend a few songs dancing with Marvin, buy Chanda a drink, and remember to comment on Alana’s new glasses as you scope out guys with her for a few minutes. But be sure not to alienate anybody or make them feel like they never got your attention.

5. Be silly. No limitations.

Do the robot or push it up on the dance floor. The more uninhibited you are, the more comfortable everyone else will feel. Your friends might even join forces in an effort to stop you from making a fool of yourself. Mixing your groups of friends is not an easy task. This is one occasion when you get a complete pass to do anything weird or crazy at the club—with the exception of the oh so 20th century girl three-way sandwich (yes fellas, it’s so played out).

6. Keep the conversation neutral.

Don’t crack insider jokes with Ryan and Kelly from Imaging while Kiah sits on the side waiting to be included in the conversation. Be sure everyone can be involved. If all else fails, rounds are on you. Everyone’s getting along when they’re drinking. For your friends who don’t drink—leave them home, there’s no hope.

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