BY C STONE | THE SUPER HOT /||" OP-ED COMMENTARY "||\
Summer has arrived and now is the time for outdoor parties for people - but when should plans be cancelled, or even moved indoors? We'll discuss.
Bad Weather
If there's a risk of intense rain, hail, lightning, or tornados, you'd probably want to reconsider hosting any event until it passes.
Besides the potential damage to structures, vehicles, and people, bad weather can ruin an otherwise perfect outdoor event. So why bother fussing about potential damages, when you can just re-adjust the date to a better one? You might also be held legally liable if something bad happens during the event - and no one wants that.
Conflicts with Other Events
This can be a problem if you have a large friend base and your party coincides with the same date as your own. It's especially infuriating if the same friend plans the event long after you do.
It's a sad fact that not everyone follows the rules - you might find yourself competing with a friend's event. If that's the case, it might be best to cancel, re-schedule, and consolidate your losses.
Low RSVP Returns
If you put out an event and there is a low RSVP return, just cancel it. Unless you want to entertain a few people in a large back yard, it wouldn't be worth it.
The sad fact is, people are consumed with events and schedules for the whole year. Social media can cause this to be enhanced significantly. Look at it this way: If you have a low RSVP return from friends, maybe you were better off - because they weren't good friends in the first place.
Drama
If you're having issues with some people it might not be best to invite them to your special event. And although the temptation to create more drama is there, it wouldn't look good on you if anything bad happened.
Besides the threats of full-out violence, drinking, or maybe even a few fist fights, I'd seriously reconsider hosting an event with any of those potential problems.
And even if you exclude certain people from attending (due to issues with alcohol, for example) - it won't stop the potential for more drama.
Cut your loses, and move on.
This is the worst one. You're so busy that not only have you convinced people you can host an event, but that it should be hosted by you anyway.
There is no worse of a feeling of pressure during a holiday event. It's like being on vacation when you count the number hours left. It's nonsense.
Although the easiest issue to identify, it is one of toughest to enact on. Pride has a serious way of warping your own sense of truth.
The best option is to ask a friend - does this seem to much for my schedule? Is this party absolutely needed? What is to gain if I cancel this stressful event?
Your mental health is worth more than satisfying an ego.
