Enjoying a night or weekend with a group is almost always a strange mix of fun and frustration. As exciting as a good group dynamic might be, it can also be difficult to manage. If everyone starts tugging in different directions, it’s not uncommon for tension to build. If you encounter your share of group outings, read my ideas for making them a bit easier and read more.
- It helps to know ahead of time what you’re dealing with. It is a group of five? 10? 20? It’s much easier to deal with a large group when your mind is in the right place.
- If there’s a meal involved, make sure to bring cash so you won't have issue when it comes to splitting the tab — you don’t want to be stuck throwing down your card and paying twice as much as everyone else. In fact, it’s an even better idea to ask for your portion to be on a separate tab right when you sit down.
- Get ready to go with the flow. Mingling with a group is a more pleasant experience if you don’t try to lead the pack. Instead, try being as adaptable as possible.
- Don’t feel like you have to do something you really don’t want to do. Though being easygoing is important in a group setting, you’re still an individual. Don’t let your needs or concerns be stepped on.
- Finally, act the way you want the rest of the group to be. If you want it to be a high-energy night, then you have to project that attitude. Whereas if you want it to be mellow, then reflect that in your conversation and actions. One person can really affect the mood of the entire group.
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its funny that this is posted now...this weekend, my friend threw a party and invited our social group, but also brought her old school friends into the mix. the old school friends are people she barely talks to anyway, and they sat around and made no effort whatsoever to humor our attempts at polite conversation, etc. she worried the whole night about having to go between groups and had a crap time. i'm not saying they shouldn't have come, but maybe they should have made more effort like we tried to, and (although its hard) the host shouldn't have worried so much, and just had some fun...she ended up wishing she'd had more fun, while our current group had a blast.