"Why Have Personal Parties at Your Own Expense?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the motivations behind hosting personal parties at one's own expense, contrasting them with business-related gatherings. Participants explore various reasons for socializing through parties, including personal enjoyment and social interaction, while also questioning the necessity of such events.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that parties serve as a means to socialize and connect with friends, often involving shared contributions to reduce individual costs.
  • Others question the need for parties that are not tied to specific occasions, expressing confusion about their purpose.
  • A participant mentions that throwing parties can be a fun way to meet new people and enjoy life, implying that the experience is valuable.
  • Some express a lack of interest in parties, stating they do not enjoy them but can understand the appeal for others.
  • There are humorous exchanges about costume parties and the challenges of preparing for them, indicating a lighthearted aspect of the discussion.
  • A participant references an extravagant party thrown by a CEO as an example of how motivations for parties can vary widely, from social enjoyment to flaunting wealth.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the motivations for personal parties. While some see value in social gatherings, others question their necessity, leading to a range of perspectives without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions touch on personal experiences and cultural differences regarding parties, which may influence individual opinions and motivations. The conversation includes humorous anecdotes that may not reflect serious viewpoints.

theoritician
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Why do people hold personal parties (as opposed to 'business' related parties where the purpose is obvious) at their own expense?

If it's a birthday party or some other special occasion party than I can see the purpose but still wonder why bother?

However some people just have parties for the sake of it in their own expense. Why?
 
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People throw parties to get together with friends and socialise. I don't know what type of parties you're talking about-- when I was at uni we used to love throwing parties every now and then. It's hardly "at your own expense" either, since it's common courtesy that people bring their own drinks or in some cases food to these parties.

Nowadays, I prefer dinner parties-- there's nothing better than having a nice slap up meal and spending quality time socialising with a few close friends. Again, this is hardly much of an expense as people will bring wine and/or beer, and, of course, the venue will circulate each time.
 
theoritician said:
Why do people hold personal parties (as opposed to 'business' related parties where the purpose is obvious) at their own expense?

If it's a birthday party or some other special occasion party than I can see the purpose but still wonder why bother?

However some people just have parties for the sake of it in their own expense. Why?

hmm--how would you describe your family?---upbringing, status, etc?
 
Why NOT throw a party? It's fun and you meet people and have a good time. If you really have to ask this question, you need to get out to more parties...seriously. Let loose and have fun, or you'll regret not doing so later when you look back at what you've missed out on in life.
 
I am unfamiliar with the concept of fun. Could you explain it to me...?
 
theoritician said:
Why do people hold personal parties (as opposed to 'business' related parties where the purpose is obvious) at their own expense?

If it's a birthday party or some other special occasion party than I can see the purpose but still wonder why bother?

However some people just have parties for the sake of it in their own expense. Why?
Are you asking why do people socialize in general, or just why parties as opposed to some other form of social venue?
 
russ_watters said:
I am unfamiliar with the concept of fun. Could you explain it to me...?

There's a photo around here somewhere from a New Year's Eve party that definitely contradicts that claim. :biggrin:
 
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Moonbear said:
There's a photo around here somewhere from a New Year's Eve party that definitely contradicts that claim. :biggrin:
Ahhhhh haaa! I remember that :)

Gotta represent— I'm one of the guys that doesn't like parties. I like to have fun, I don't have anything against drinking, or people or friends— I just don't like parties.
 
russ_watters said:
I am unfamiliar with the concept of fun. Could you explain it to me...?

Coming from anyone else, I would think that you were being facetious.
 
  • #10
I too do not enjoy going to parties, but I can understand why people have them. The prospect of meeting interesting new people, picking up girls, getting leglessly drunk, carrying on for the patry goers. Many other reasons too. Why not throw parties.
 
  • #11
russ_watters said:
I am unfamiliar with the concept of fun. Could you explain it to me...?
I can understand that. You are a Flyers fan.
 
  • #12
my friend's having her birthday party tonight that's supposed to be a costume party. but I have no costume! :cry: I've procrastinated buying one and now it's too late. I'm going to look like a fool being the only one without a costume.

my only hope is that someone else has also forgotten to buy one. with my luck, that won't be the case.
 
  • #13
moe darklight said:
my friend's having her birthday party tonight that's supposed to be a costume party. but I have no costume! :cry: I've procrastinated buying one and now it's too late. I'm going to look like a fool being the only one without a costume.

my only hope is that someone else has also forgotten to buy one. with my luck, that won't be the case.
What about a birthday suit? :biggrin: :smile:
 
  • #14
Astronuc said:
What about a birthday suit? :biggrin: :smile:

:smile: ok, let's call that "plan Z." should plans A through Y fail, all I can do is hope it's not too chilly tonight.
 
  • #15
FredGarvin said:
I can understand that. You are a Flyers fan.
And a Phillies fan!
 
  • #16
moe darklight said:
:smile: ok, let's call that "plan Z." should plans A through Y fail, all I can do is hope it's not too chilly tonight.

which "Plan" /'letter' is the paper bag?----and which one is the sheet?

----------------

just to get an idea of 'unplanned' level of the 'plan' so far
 
  • #17
You could borrow some scuba gear and go as one of the Cousteaus. If you're ripped enough, maybe some mermaid will fog your goggles.:smile:
 
  • #18
moe darklight said:
my friend's having her birthday party tonight that's supposed to be a costume party. but I have no costume! :cry: I've procrastinated buying one and now it's too late. I'm going to look like a fool being the only one without a costume.

Something can always be scrounged up to make a quick costume. Wrap a roll of toilet paper around yourself, and you're a mummy. Don't have enough TP for that? Put on a suit, grab a rollerbag suitcase, stick a single sheet of TP to your shoe, and go as Senator Larry Craig. :biggrin:
 
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  • #19
Moonbear said:
Something can always be scrounged up to make a quick costume. Wrap a roll of toilet paper around yourself, and you're a mummy. Don't have enough TP for that? Put on a suit, grab a rollerbag suitcase, stick a single sheet of TP to your shoe, and go as Senator Larry Craig. :biggrin:


YEAH!----then you can be handy when they run out!
 
  • #20
What is it with girls wanting costume parties for their birthdays? I was just at one that was supposed to be an '80s theme. The best I could do was a 1993 tie dyed Pink Floyd t-shirt (not that I put much effort into it...). One guy wore a diaper and told everyone he was an infant in the '80s.
 
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  • #21
Moonbear said:
Something can always be scrounged up to make a quick costume. Wrap a roll of toilet paper around yourself, and you're a mummy. Don't have enough TP for that? Put on a suit, grab a rollerbag suitcase, stick a single sheet of TP to your shoe, and go as Senator Larry Craig. :biggrin:
Funny how some jokes no body on Earth will understand in six months.

"I'm Senator Larry Craig!"
"wtf."
 
  • #22
theoritician said:
Why do people hold personal parties (as opposed to 'business' related parties where the purpose is obvious) at their own expense?

If it's a birthday party or some other special occasion party than I can see the purpose but still wonder why bother?

However some people just have parties for the sake of it in their own expense. Why?
As others mentioned, parties are for socializing.

But motivations can vary. Looking at Dennis Kozlowski (ex-CEO of Tyco), he spent about $2 million on a birthday party for his wife, but . . .
. . . Tyco paid $1 million (half the bill) for the 40th birthday party of Kozlowski's wife, Karen M. Kozlowski. The extravagant party, held on the Italian island of Sardinia, featured an ice sculpture of the Statue of David urinating Stolichnaya vodka. This birthday bash was disguised as a shareholder meeting in order to get corporate funding. In a camcorder video, Dennis Kozlowski states that this party will bring out a Tyco core competency - the ability to party hard. Subsequently, this shareholder meeting / birthday party became known as the Tyco Roman Orgy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Kozlowski#Lifestyle

So in Kozlowski's case, he was flaunting his wealth while having a good time.


When I was a bachelor, I used to visit a couple (my best friend was living with a woman) who had dinner parties at their place. I used to help with the preparations, cooking and cleanup. Meanwhile, I'd enjoy the company and entertainment, which was often one of the guests playing guitar or some instrument. What I most enjoyed was interesting conversation - about history, science, technology, and occasionally the arts.

I got invited to other parties (I knew a couple of sisters who lived in a house (I think the parents bought it) while attending university). I wasn't very much interested in the drinking or partying, so I just helped out with keeping the place in order and cleaning up afterward.
 
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  • #23
russ_watters said:
What is it with girls wanting costume parties for their birthdays? I was just at one that was supposed to be an '80s theme. The best I could do was a 1993 tie dyed Pink Floyd t-shirt (not that I put much effort into it...). One guy wore a diaper and told everyone he was an infant in the '80s.

Is this a new "fad" of some sort? Or have they not grown out of the "themed" children's parties? I'm laughing at the diaper idea though! :biggrin:
 
  • #24
russ_watters said:
What is it with girls wanting costume parties for their birthdays? I was just at one that was supposed to be an '80s theme. The best I could do was a 1993 tie dyed Pink Floyd t-shirt (not that I put much effort into it...). One guy wore a diaper and told everyone he was an infant in the '80s.

I think its a carry-over from childhood--boys didn't/don't do as much 'dress-up /fantasy world stuff' as little girls did/do
 
  • #25
That settles it. We'll be having a PF costume party thread in the near future. ooh, Halloween is coming up!
 
  • #26
Math Is Hard said:
That settles it. We'll be having a PF costume party thread in the near future. ooh, Halloween is coming up!

women







(i'm guessing you're female)--it's kind of a compliment about how women plan for this stuff more than men
 
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  • #27
rewebster said:
(i'm guessing you're female)--it's kind of a compliment about how women plan for this stuff more than men

I guess I take more of a male-style approach to parties then. Hey folks, I've got a grill, some burgers and beer, c'mon over, and bring more beer and stuff to grill if you want.
 
  • #28
Moonbear said:
I guess I take more of a male-style approach to parties then. Hey folks, I've got a grill, some burgers and beer, c'mon over, and bring more beer and stuff to grill if you want.

"What a WOMAN!----and what a way (one way) to put a smile on a guy's face!"

OK-- go half way---a bar-b-que costume party
 
  • #29
rewebster said:
OK-- go half way---a bar-b-que costume party

Is that a party where we bbq the costumes? :biggrin:
 
  • #30
yeah--one of those nudist bar-b-ques
 

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