Settle an Argument: Help This Couple Avoid Holiday Office Party Drama
By Perri O. Blumberg, REDBOOK
Kelly, 24, and her boyfriend, Nathan, 27, have been dating for three years, and in the past, they've invited each other to their office holiday parties. But Nathan recently started a new job and feels it would be awkward to bring Kelly along this year-he wants to use the time to bond with his new colleagues. Kelly's upset because she wants to go. Who's right?
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He says: "I love Kelly, but I just started this job three months ago and I think it'll be weird if I brought her. I don't know my co-workers that well, and I don't think it'd be professional. It's not that I don't want her there, I just don't feel like this is the right time. It's the equivalent of introducing your significant other to meet the 'rents after two weeks. It's just too soon! Plus, I could use the time to establish a closer rapport with some of my office mates."
She says: "I'm hurt that Nathan won't bring me. Holiday parties are a popular occasion for employees to introduce their significant others, and the fact that I have yet to meet any of his co-workers makes me feel like he is hiding something or doesn't want to show me off at the event. It's not like I'm going to embarrass him-I just want to feel like I'm important enough to be invited."
Whose side are you on? (Explain your reasoning in the comments section.)
- Nathan
- Kelly
Have an argument you want settled? Email your argument detailing your side of the argument and your partner's side to karenkarbo@redbookmag.com and please include your names and ages. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.
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