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I Can't Remember What I Did Last Night At The Office Party!
Q: "Last night we had our annual office party. I shouldn't have started drinking, because I can't seem to stop after just one, but I didn't follow my own instincts. I can't remember exactly what I did, but I know that I drank way too much, danced wildly, and was overly-friendly to a couple of my colleagues (including my boss). My head is throbbing this morning. I know that if I'd stayed sober I would have never acted the way I did! Now I'm worried that everyone will have the wrong impression about me, and that it be lasting. What should I do?"
ALISON ANSWERS:
You aren't the first (or only) person who has sent me a similar letter! You made the mistake of thinking that festive holiday functions at work are parties like any other -- they're not! Office functions are the same as being on the job, and to be taken seriously, you must exercise professional behavior.
My advice (especially if you're the type of person who can't stop after "just one drink") is to remember for the future that the best way to stay in control (at an office function or any other) is not to drink anything alcoholic. If you must have a drink to fit in with the crowd, order something you don't like, and just carry it around with you, or stick to club soda or soft drink which looks like it could be a something like a rum and coke or a gin_and_tonic. Always order your own drinks. Just say "no thanks" when someone offers to get you a drink or "refresh" the one you have. It may not be as much fun as getting loose, but it's not worth the risk at an office function.
On the other hand, I'll bet you weren't the only one who overdid the merrymaking last night. Many a quiet and sedate employee has shown his or her "other side" after too much merrymaking. At least you didn't end up wearing the chandelier or anything like that! The chances are that the people with whom you were "too friendly" know that you were just in high holiday spirits and won't think you want to make anything more of it now that the party's over. They might have had "one too many" and don't even remember what you were up to! One thing you should not do is call attention to your actions. If you bring it up, you will only bring even more attention to yourself.
People generally want to feel merry and spirited during the holiday season, and may be more relaxed with colleagues than they are normally. The best way to put this behind you is to treat it a non-even, one that is old news and already in the past. From now on, act professionally. If someone does bring it up your behavior, don't get defensive or try to deny it, Brush it off and make light of it, saying: "oh, for one night a year I'm just overcome with holiday spirit, TODAY, I'm back to focusing on my job." Chalk it up to experience. Next year, make sure you're on your very best behavior.
Alison Blackman Dunham, aka. "Advice Sister Alison, " is a life & career expert, online advisor, freelance writer, and creator of The Advice Sisters online publications. "The Advice Sisters®" are credited with bringing the advice genre, online. If you are seeking advice of any kind, this website is the right place! If you have a question, dilemma or problem that requires personal attention, consult Alison privately. Also check out The Advice Sisters Features Page with the latest additions to the site. Read the Advice Sisters Blog and enjoy the Bulletin Boards and Forums. For even more advice, inspiration and up-close-and-personal reviews, information and reports, get the free, bi-monthly AdviceSisters Enews by Email.