Last Thursday, I attended the Thomas Sabo annual cocktail party at their store in Mayfair. The high-end jeweller was showcasing its new autumn/winter collection, complete with a DJ and unicorn chair brought in especially for the event.
The cocktails were ridiculously tasty, and annoyingly, hard to figure out exactly what they were. All I know, is that I need to buy some flamingos to put in my drinks. Arriving without a plus one, my anxiety scorched through my body. I was burning; Sahara rays were under me.
Nervousness without a friend
I felt like a school-girl on her first day at a new place. I find it hard to converse with strangers at the best of times, never mind in a crowd full of people chatting together, and music pumping like Ibiza’s Ocean Beach is next door.
Is it me, or has our phone addictions stopped us from interacting with others? Most of the room snapped pictures; no one introducing themselves to anyone who didn’t arrive with them. I’ve attended a number of media events now, and it’s the same kind of thing. The celebrities are fawned over, the high PR and press teams, all swarm together in a hive, and the bloggers go around with their cameras.
It’s the perfect time to network, without anybody really open to. At The Wellness Awards, I did end up talking to a well-known blogger, and I had a great laugh with a photographer who shoots for Forbes magazine. This happened towards the end of the night, perhaps when my tipsy-self managed to pluck courage.
The charm necklaceBaby-steps to make changes
10 minutes into my night at Thomas Sabo, and I found myself in a queue. This was to receive a horoscope charm necklace, which I have since fallen in love with. Behind me, the only other person without a plus one. I ended up making conversation and chatted to the senior editor of Capital FM.
Rewind a few years ago, I wouldn’t have attended a party alone. I always need someone to hold my hand and act as a comfort blanket. I’ve never been to the cinema alone; never eaten at a café or restaurant alone. I hardly ever even shop alone. I text my friend to accompany me to our local shops.
It’s funny, I can go online and post myself in near-nudity, and share all my feelings to the world. But walk down a street alone, and I’m scared. I do feel pretty proud of myself that I attended the Thomas Sabo party. In my day-dreams, I’m the kind of woman who casually strolls anywhere without a care in the world. So, there goes my first baby-step.
Thomas Sabo, is one of those beautiful lines of jewellery, that’s accessible. It’s not inexpensive and costume, but it’s also not worth thousands. There are gorgeous, silver pieces to save up for and add to your collection. If you have followed my blog for a while, you’ll probably know I’m not the biggest jewellery fan.
This is one of those places where an exception is made.
How do you feel attending events or going to places alone? Do you think it’s harder to socialise with strangers, now that everyone is so glued to their phones? And are you a fan of Thomas Sabo?
Feeling Shy Meeting New People
Im so glad you were brave and went! I turned down so many events because I was afraid to go alone. You looked gorgeous, loved your outfit. You know how I feel about blooming mobile phones, social media, the disconnect from each other we all have, but I am old haha! It looks like a great event so I am thrilled for you that you got to experience it, anxiety and all!
Thank you Kerry! I admittedly didn’t stay for long, but it felt good knowing I managed to walk in by myself.
I thought it was really sad that there were all these interesting people in one place, and hardly anyone had the social skills to come out and introduce themselves. I also think phones allow us to be selfish and have a more ‘me’ mentality. I was at one event, and one girl was so focused on getting her photo taken behind one of those red carpet media walls, that she pushed and accidently spilt red wine on her friends dress. Then wouldn’t go to the toilets with her, as she wanted her photo. Shocking right!
Thank you for reading! xxx
Wow, that is self absorbed to the max isnt it! We all need to take a few steps back I think xxxx
I am SO FREAKING JEALOUS. I absolutely love Thomas Sabo jewellery so I would’ve loved to go to this event! xx
I should have invited you! It was so last-minute (literally invitations 2 days before), and everyone I asked had plans. I didn’t end up staying long because no one was really talking outside of who they came with. xx
It is so great that you have come out of the comfort zone and started mingling with people. I don’t mind going out alone anywhere but I generally avoid visiting the place where I cant relate myself with those people.
It did feel like a big step for me. I understand what you mean. I’ve been in situations before where people are nice, but it’s awkward because we have nothing in common.
Looks like you had a great time and you look gorgeous in that dress!! <3
Thank you girl! xx
I can completely relate to this! I feel the same way as you do. I was painfully introverted when I was young and even now if I am going to be with people I don’t know I feel my anxiety and insecurities come roaring back. I am so proud of you that you went to this event. You are inspiration beauty! I loved your look and that necklace is divine! <3
Thank you beauty! The necklace is really cute. I never usually wear them, but it’s dainty enough for me to like. x
This looks so lovely with the cocktails and such a nice opportunity but such a shame people were so anti social. MAkes me so sad how obsessed we are with out phones in this day and age, think it’s definitely made us more anti social and sort of stick to ourselves. At first I always feel a bit awkward going alone but after a while I can usually mingle with people xx
It is sad! I couldn’t even mingle with people, because everyone looked so closed-off. I’m all for taking photos and of course, I did them at the event, but there’s come a point when you stop. Some people it seemed, were snapping the entire time they were there. xx
First, you were a lovely outfit for the event. Second, I have always felt uncomfortable attending certain functions without the plus 1. It looked like a lovely event. What struck me as most interesting was your observation on how people are no longer interacting in this age of cell phones and social media. People are so worried about missing something in social media, yet they don’t realize what they are missing right before their eyes. Strange and in many ways sad phenomena.
It reminds me when I was on holiday last year, and my sister told me to put my phone away and just enjoy the sunset. And it did make me think then, how much am I not taking in, because I’m carried away trying to capture it all?
I’m a very introverted person, and I guess I will never be comfortable enough to fully attend events on my own.
Happy you realize the importance of putting away the phone. Instead of capturing life, we are meant to live it. Have a good one Laura.
Thank you Drew. I wish you the best this week and hope your heartache eases up a little bit 🙂
Appreciated. Thanks. I will get to your latest post shortly.