How to behave at parties - anyone decoded the secret?

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^^^THIS^^^

HA HA HA

I'm not too huge on "regular" (read: office/cocktail/keg/any other stand-around-and-talk) parties. I like theme parties better - gaming, bowling, skating, etc. I have a hard time talking to people, so I spend most of my time near the food table, stuffing my face due to nervousness (I'm also a stress-eater). Maybe I'm not as approachable as the rest of you guys, because I don't need to look busy as nobody ever strikes up a conversation with me. The few times I can bring myself to approach people, I can only listen in to the conversation.

I just don't go to parties.....lol I prefer to just chill with a few people. This is partially because i have never been comfortable in large crowds, and also I have PTSD which makes me even more uncomfortable in large crowds.

Yup, me too. I become a very social and charming person after a few drinks.

I move around rather than stick to one area. I am less conspicuous.

I engage small groups that appear to be discussing a topic. If I am truly alone, I am somewhat fearless at this. Never a large group as that would restrict my willingness to speak.

If the topic isnt holding me, I'll move to another group when a natural pause/break comes along.

I don't usually engage solitary people if I can help it. They may use me as an anchor and it's more difficult to get away. But sometimes I want an anchor.

I usually go with loose stretchy clothes and pig out. I try to taste everything. As I usually eat very slowly, eating such large amount of food would take a lot of time. And sometimes I just stand by the food tables chatting with people about food, and give compliments to people who made the food. Then I'll need to go to bathroom. Then I go around admiring the decor. If I have to I say hi to some people, pretend to listen to their talking for 5 minutes, then walk away and nibble some more food. When I've eaten as much dessert as I can I find an excuse and leave early.

Honestly I don't go to any parties if they only serve drinks. I can't drink and I'd be totally bored without food or talking about food.

DH behaves better than me, he doesn't eat as much, but pretend to listen to people a lot more. He nods and laughs at people's jokes, but he doesn't say much. In my opinion I was having a much better time.

Tell people you are just there for the food--and mean it.

Spot on. It's exactly what I do.

Get drunk.
Dance on tables.

You get lots of invitations, don't you?

In social situations, I find that most people are more than happy to blather on about themselves with little regard for letting you get a word in edgewise. I have a few stock, non commital questions on hand for all occassions. Once they get going I nod occassionally, say 'really?' occassionally and, like everyone else - drink. This works well with women. Unfortunately, men actually try to converse - ask questions about you, what you do, what teams you like...

I think I'd rather have root canal.