Summer is just around the corner and you know what that means … it’s time to party! And when you’re kickin’ up your heels at all of the warm weather cocktail parties you’ll attend this season, remember … cool broads know how to work it.
But whatever you do, don’t forget to dust off your cocktail party etiquette. A party is where people go to have fun and enjoy themselves, and there are some topics of conversation that’ll just never accomplish that goal. And though cool broads know how to keep the conversation interesting and fun, they also knows what topics to avoid.
These include:
Politics:
This is a tricky subject and I know lots of people out there love to debate political issues, but it’s been my experience that those types of conversations are best left for small groups and one-on-ones with a friend whose opinion you respect. People aren’t likely to be swayed by your boozy arguments about why they should support the Democratic party when they’re Republican (or vice versa) and if you get on your soapbox you’ll probably just end up ticking someone off. The only exception I can think of is when someone specifically asks your opinion on a particular issue because they’re still trying to form theirs. If that’s the case, discuss the subject quietly and then gracefully end the conversation when someone else joins the group.
Religion:
This topic is similar to politics … a deeply held set of beliefs that isn’t likely to change over a margarita. An exception here might be where you go to church and if you’re happy there, especially if someone has asked for this information because they’re thinking of joining.
How Gifted and Talented Your Kid Is:
Cool broads don’t boast. Besides, this topic is potentially awkward if you are talking to someone whose child’s test scores didn’t land him in the “brilliant” category as yours did.
How Much You Just Paid for Something:
In general, it’s bad form to discuss money. This includes how much you just paid for your highly-coveted Louis Vuitton, your shiny new Lexus, or your McMansion. There are exceptions to the rule, of course, but it’s usually with small ticket items, such as how much your pay your babysitter or the yard guy (and only discuss what you pay your yard guy if you pay him in currency ... wink wink).
Someone Else (Especially if they’re at the party, or God forbid, they’re hosting the party.):
This should go without saying but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found myself talking with someone at a party and they’ve gotten the impression that they’re at a gossipfest. If someone begins to gossip, try to change the subject, if that doesn’t work, end the conversation by excusing yourself.
Taxes and Death—Boring and Sad:
Don’t rain on everyone’s parade!
Your Kids (Excessively):
especially if people in the conversation don’t have kids. Don’t get me wrong, it’s okay to talk about your kids, just don’t try to convince people that your son will launch the next Google soon after his sixth birthday and don’t talk about them ... excessively.
Your Pets (Excessively):
Especially if people in the conversation don’t have pets. Again, you can tell a funny story about your pet, just don’t talk about how much you love them more than your human children ... excessively.
Your Uber-Cool Job (Excessively):
You can tell a funny story about work if it’s relevant to the conversation. Just don’t talk about yourself … that right, excessively.
How Much You Dislike Something:
Negativity should be avoided at all costs (we all just want to have a little fun!). If you’re in a bad mood or have had a bad day ... leave it at home. Debbie Downer never gets invited back!
To be fair, all of these rules have exceptions and in some instances it’s more about HOW you handle the conversation rather than what the conversation is really about.
In reality, the most important rule is probably to be perceptive and take cues from those around you. If you find that you’ve crossed the line or offended someone, just apologize. Nobody’s perfect. That’s right … not even cool broads. (Heard me say this before, have you?)
Huh, I think I just channeled Yoda.
