Timing it right
In most places, unless it’s specified against it, being fashionably late is the in-thing. We see everyone do it, though some people scowl about it.
It’s always better to arrive when the party’s sprung to life rather than getting to the place even before the lights are on. And another fact to remember is that most people wouldn’t have arrived yet, which makes meeting new people that much harder. When the party’s young, most people prefer to sit down in a corner than walk around. Talking to someone who’s just relaxing will make it look like you’re hitting on them, when all you have in mind is networking! Wait until the party’s starting to come alive with people and everyone’s conversing and willing to open up.
Towards the end of the party, make sure you’ve got phone numbers of all your new friends, and head off before you become party dregs or a part of the furniture.
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