I learned this lesson in high school. You need two way communication with your friends. “Are you coming over tonight?” You can’t just blast out an invite and then act like you don’t care if people are noncommittal. People have chats about your party without you, and they will all know if nobody is going to be there. It’s good to have a friend who will let you know, “Hey, everybody decided to go bowling instead.”
Invite fucking everyone, too. Don’t try to keep the guest list under control. The herd will naturally thin itself. Of course there’s planning and effort that goes into a party, but it’s better to just always be prepared for an impromptu gathering of friends. Those are far more fun. Keep the solo cups in a cupboard and bust them out when you have enough people to make beer pong fun.
If everyone bails, put the beer and snacks in the fridge and go to a bar. Keep everything on hand for another night. Don’t wallow in the empty room where all your friends would be if you had them. Go do something social and meet new friends.
If your friends say they are coming and then bail, they aren’t your friends. Invite different people to the next one.
When my wife was in a 3rd grade nobody came to her birthday. Her mother had mental problems and had an ‘episode’ earlier that year. Lovely parents decided to ostracize the entire family.
People suck, especially in small communities
My last party went much like this. First party thrown since the divorce, went all out on a halloween costume party. Was hounding my best friend about it for months, only for him to flake saying he didn’t want to drive the 40 minutes to my house. Nobody came, spent over $1000 on decorations alone. I’ll throw another party at some point, but I’ll need to find some new friends first.
Oh man. I’ve had this kind of thing. I started inviting people I knew wouldn’t come. I wouldn’t feel bad when they didn’t. But I’d occasionally get a couple that I didn’t expect and had a good time.
My girlfriend hates hearing no though so she only invites those she knows will say yes. It’s a bit of a bummer. Because I always enjoy the surprise of someone I didn’t expect.
This reminds me of a post I saw were a guy had even made a lot of food that needs a lot of time and care. So when I saw that this guy went for only snacks in a bag (chips) I felt relieved. Sucks no one came but at least he can eat and drink what he bought when ever and invite ppl with the same setup on a later date.
Few things feel as lonely as planning a big party and then everyone flakes. Doubly so if they decide to do something else without you. ☹️
Triple when they convinced you to throw a party even though you know people won’t show. Happy 18th birthday, where are your friends?
I mean, more people would come if homie stopped putting beer on the counter to get warm.
Yeah and only 7 beers? Was he waiting for one or two person only?
One
I usually drink 6-8 beers at a house party, but I never drink spirits. There is a bottle of vodka and whiskey on the counter, so if he is an abstinent, beers are for one friend, spirits for the other.
He must not like the friend who drinks beer if he’s providing luke-warm brew.
That’s a very optimistic take.
Post it on a public college party group chat. Your house will be packed like sardines in 15 minutes.
this is why I will never ever have a party.
RSVPs are a thing
It sucks for sure. On average I invite 20ish people and expect 5 to show up. If nobody shows up I’m still eating the good food and having a couch bonfire. Ain’t nobody stopping my fun
It’s just as the ancient songs prophesied
F
