By Christie Page

So it’s that time of year again when offices all across the lands are preparing for the annual office holiday party. And I know what you’ve been doing. You’ve been eyeballing all of the latest trends in hair and makeup, fashion and accessories so that you can finally shine. You’ll be out of the construct of office attire and able to put you best foot forward and perhaps cut loose a little with your office cohorts.

Well, I’m not here to tell you not to have a good time, but what I am here to do is help you with a little advice, from someone who has been “that girl” at more than one holiday party. So take it from me folks, if you want to enjoy yourself and not be the talk of the office for all the wrong reasons, let me give you some friendly suggestions. Don’t…

1. Get embarrassingly drunk

Yea, it says “open bar” but how open do you want to get with co-workers you probably can’t stand sober anyway?

2. Talk too much about your personal life

It’s nice to be outside the confines of office structured small talk, but do these people really care about what you did on your annual family vacation? Or how your boyfriend dumped you via text?

3. Discuss politics

Alcohol and discussions of politics do not mix, this is not the time to discuss your right wing, left wing or up the middle view points.

4. Make out with your hot co-worker

Unless you want to be labeled as “that-girl” save the spit exchange for another time, preferably never with a co-worker especially if your office has policies against such things.

5. Make out with your boss

Unless you want to be known as “the girl who slept her way…” you can fill in the blank.

6. Wear overly provocative attire

Yes it’s the holidays, yes you can dress up but maybe save the plunging neckline or ass-less gown for another night out with friends. You’re still at work, duh.

7. Pregame

Even if there isn’t an open bar, pre-gaming can make you sloppy, erratic and the subject of whispers and glares.

8. Make copies of your face, breasts or derriere on the office copier

It may start off as funny but not so much when you’re slapped with a bill for breaking the company equipment.

9. Gossip about other employees

That’s just crass and makes you look petty. Don’t do it….just don’t, you never know who knows who….just don’t.

10. Use the company party as your soapbox

If you have issues with your company or any of it’s employees this is not the time or the place to discuss. Just have a good time, unwind and schedule a visit with HR if it’s something you just can’t hold in anymore.

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Christie is part of the Contributing Writer Network at Thirty On Tap. To apply to become a Contributing Writer, please click HERE.

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