The No Spouse Zone
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Husband went to his company holiday party. I did not. Because I wasn’t invited. Apparently, this is pretty common. And I guess it makes sense. Numbers-wise. Professional team-bonding-wise. And I was fine with it. Because my face wasn’t exactly party ready. And I was busy at home, Googling The Ex. But isn’t throwing a party where the booze is a-flowin’ and the music is a-pumpin’ and the spouses are a-missin’ a bit of a recipe for naughtiness, certainly among those who are not 100% happy at home?
Thoughts?
Ohhhh…..I think it is a recipe for disaster. Not good. At all. I think spouses should be invited to holiday parties. I think it brings the team even closer together when you are able to meet their partners. It allows you to get a better sense of who they are.
My hubby is having is company Christmas party next week. I am not able to go because I will be home with baby. Now you have inspired me to write about it on my blog. Would it be ok if I did and linked back to you?
Of course! Write and link away. I look forward to seeing what you have to say on the topic.
My company has social events just for employees a couple times a year. Honestly, it feels more like an extension of the office. Sure, we might be sipping cocktails and playing bar trivia (or bowling, God help me), but there’s still a professional vibe there for me.
But I’m sure you’re correct that well-boozed holiday parties do sometimes lead to some extramarital shenanigans. I have an image of the movie “Love, Actually” in mind.
I think it probably does often feel like work after hours… But I think it also provides a context for those who are looking to misbehave to do so, you know? I need to watch Love Actually again!
My husband’s holiday parties have been no-spouse for years and I have to admit I’m happy about that – it’s a relief not to have to go. They don’t have a lot of drinking and dancing, though, so I don’t worry. I’m not sure I would either way though. xoxo
I can definitely see how it would be a relief not to have to attend the same party year after year… And you are right to point out that there are either reasons to worry or not; a single festive event shouldnt create new grounds for concern.
My company invites spouses to our holiday party and this is the first time I’ve even pondered a spouse-less company party. I think we had a morale event where it was an after hours tailgate party, but I couldn’t make it and it was rather small. I can understand having a ladies/guys only sort of affair but what you’re describing would make me a bit uncomfortable.
my husband’s holiday party and end of year meeting trip to Florida is specifically to thank the spouses for their team effort in raising our families and being up for letting our husbands work late etc. Note: He is an engineer and there are very few women…so heck, if they had a party without us wives I think they would all stand there quiet. hahaha!
Yikes. Sounds like bad form on part of the HR department. Some companies will do anything to save a few bucks these days.
I think it would be fun for all of the co-workers to meet the spouses and partners of their co-workers. But if my husband had to go alone I would get a good book and enjoy my night curled up i bed.
Hi Aidan! Thank you for allowing me to link back to you on this post. However, I will not be able to. I told hubs my thoughts on the holiday party and that I wanted to blog about it and he felt that it would be better if I did not discuss it. I agree with his/our circumstance. The corp world is hard enough and I don’t want to say anything that might come back to bite him in the butt. Thank you for saying that I could link back to you. I feel so honored!
My husband’s office does it the same way. I think it is a good thing for coworkers to socialize with each other and I believe that if spouses attended the parties as well they would naturally take precedence over the coworkers. With spouses the conversation would be limited to conventional small talk whereas without spouses coworkers have the chance to get to know each other better.
That being said, I agree that a no spouses party can bring about the opportunity for some misbehavior, but I believe that when people are truly unhappy in their marriage they can create opportunity anywhere.