This is the week when everyone seems to have packed evenings, with some or the other Diwali party to attend
There are lists being drawn and calendars being marked to ensure that every invite is listed, carefully evaluated, discussed and slotted under ‘what can be missed’ and ‘what cannot’. Now, this categorisation is not as simple as choosing which party promises better food, music or company. There is the relationship with the host to consider, the location of the party, the guest list and, most importantly, the amount of damage control that might be required if you don’t show up. Some invitations can be politely declined, while others come with the risk of being reminded of your absence at every subsequent social gathering. Once that categorisation is done, comes the other important question: How long should one stay at each party? Those where one can simply show up, pose for pictures with the hosts, exchange festive greetings and leave are the ones that come first in the order of parties to attend on a given evening. After all, photographic evidence of your attendance is sometimes just as important as attendance itself. Those where networking is involved, card games are planned or live music is part of the entertainment come later in the list. The challenge is to spend just enough time at each party to make your presence felt, without making your exit look like an escape. The fact also remains that no amount of planning can account for a party that turns out to be more entertaining than expected. What was supposed to be a quick appearance can turn into a long evening, particularly when the card games get interesting or you run into friends you haven’t met in months.