If you're one of those busy people whose life involves several meetings a week, the following can serve as an aid in making the transition to a social evening.
- Opening Comments:
Trite conversation, small talk about the weather, how big the kids are getting, and health (at superficial level, i.e. `you're lookin' good'...`hey, you don't look so bad yourself', etc.).Hors D'Oeuvres and Cocktails
- Evening moves into more serious conversation:
What we've been doing...then what you've been doing. A few tasteful feelings. But still nothing in depth.Soup, salad, second or third drink
- Heavy Sharings:
What you've really been feeling — or not feeling! And exactly what you think about everything from as far back as ten years ago. Juicy gossip about mutual friends ...and a bit or two you felt `they had a right to know'.Lasagna, dinner wine slightly chilled
- Whiskey Whispers:
Uninhibited sharings which no one will remember except the children who are eavesdropping. A small confrontation, a roaring debate on politics, a few confessions, a grab or two.Dessert
- Summing-Up Conversation:
"We should really do this more often." A remark or two on "I hope you didn't take what I said personally." Some light-hearted laughing to cover up the old scars we inflamed. A sincere hug and kiss and a wave from the front porch.Handful of dinner mints
- Afterwards:
Guest couple fights in the car going home about what spouse said and did. Host couple fights in house about what spouse said and did.Mint-flavored toothpick
- At Home:
Guest couple makes comparisons and decides they are far better off. Host couple makes comparisons and decides they are far better off.Alka Seltzer
Next scheduled evening: one year from now at their house.
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