What was I thinking?

The friendliest place on the web for anyone that enjoys cooking.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
See posts with no answers
KatyCooks

KatyCooks

Head Chef
Joined
Jul 11, 2013
Messages
2,281
Location
Hampshire, UK
Alright, how do you get men talking to each other? I'm not sure what I was thinking, but I seem to have invited a couple of my girlfriends over on 1st November WITH their partners and also Ollie (because he lives here) and another brother of mine. So there will be 4 blokes aged between 49 and 61 (plus 3 women). The "theme" is a mashup of Halloween and my birthday. (I am often called a witch by my brothers, so this is not entirely inappropriate.) Ahem. It is not a dress-up situation - these guys would NEVER get dressed up - my only rule is that everyone must wear something black.

It's all going to be VERY casual and just a buffet style spread (with a few Halloweeny type items). So not too worried about that.

But men are notorious for finding it difficult to start conversations with each other. These chaps are all really nice, decent, intelligent people by the way and I know once they relax they will remember that they have things in common (they have all met before and got on great but it has been well over 10 years since they last met).

So, how do I break the ice and get them talking to each other?

(We ladies of course, have no trouble finding things to talk about!) :LOL:
 
You have to find something they have in common like the same rugby or football team. If there's a game on TV, turn that on while you ladies are off gabbing with each other and soon the men will be gabbing over the game.
 
Not bad Andy, but my little house is too small for separate rooms so that won't work (though I suspect people will end up split between the kitchen and the living room as that is what usually happens!)

Sport wise, I know 2 are into motor sports and 1 is not into any sports at all - I might just hijack him to give me decorating advice actually... Pauline won't mind.

No major football events on currently (that would be football with the round ball by the way) ;-)

But sport is a topic that could be subtly introduced I guess...
 
"Oh, I heard you went to "xxx" for a short vacation/long weekend! How was it?"
"got any recommendations on a funny/action/mystery movie?"
 
Or here's one from here! Now this would be table talk, as I'm sure it would die out as soon as the ladies left, but how about... "When you go out to eat, do you appreciate seeing a garnish on the food. A sprig of parsley, etc." The men must answer first and then the ladies.
 
dragnlaw said:
Or here's one from here! Now this would be table talk, as I'm sure it would die out as soon as the ladies left, but how about... "When you go out to eat, do you appreciate seeing a garnish on the food. A sprig of parsley, etc." The men must answer first and then the ladies.
Click to expand...
:ROFLMAO: Dragn, that is NEVER going to come up with these guys! They wouldnt even know what a garnish was!
 
I know it's going to be fine. I'm just a little out of practice playing hostess I guess and feeling a tad nervous. :ermm:
 
Ahhh, you'll do just fine. As you say, they have already met and there is a certain responsibility as a good guest as well.
KatyCooks said:
(they have all met before and got on great but it has been well over 10 years since they last met).
Click to expand...
and I think this statement alone should help you alleviate your worries.
 
dragnlaw said:
Ahhh, you'll do just fine. As you say, they have already met and there is a certain responsibility as a good guest as well.

and I think this statement alone should help you alleviate your worries.
Click to expand...
The last time I had any sort of gathering was when I had a husband.

I know my lovely friends will absolutely support me (after all, it is their partners we want to be happy too!) I just want everyone to have a fun evening (including me as it is also about my birthday)!
 
Rocklobster said:
Not sure. I'm Canadian. But, I am speaking from a Male perspective. Trust me.
Click to expand...
I do agree that men are from Mars and women are from Venus!

I simply don't have a house that can accommodate two separate groups. I have one reception room and the TV will only be on to provide some background music. (from the 80s is my thinking here, given our age group.)
 
KatyCooks said:
So, how do I break the ice and get them talking to each other?
Click to expand...

The obvious answer is to ask the other two women to help you in the kitchen.
Then the men can start talking about you girls. And vice versa :)
 
KatyCooks said:
Pac, seriously? "us girls"? At our age? :ROFLMAO: But also, awww!! :wub: Thank you!
Click to expand...

Uh, you're welcome?
lol

I'm just saying that if two obvious different groups separate, there is bound to be some talk about "the other" group. It's natural.
Plus the men can shift to guy mode, and vice versa, and talk in a way they might not otherwise in the presence of the opposite... gender.
 
pacanis said:
Uh, you're welcome?
lol

I'm just saying that if two obvious different groups separate, there is bound to be some talk about "the other" group. It's natural.
Plus the men can shift to guy mode, and vice versa, and talk in a way they might not otherwise in the presence of the opposite... gender.
Click to expand...
I was just thanking you for calling us "girls" at our age. Long time since anyone called me a girl!

I don't want the men and women to be separate. (And they can't be anyway in my small house.) On the ground floor there is actually only the kitchen, hallway and living room - so that is the space we will be in.

I am starting to be very surprised that the male partners of my female friends accepted this invitation so swiftly! Normally they stay at home while their partners are either at a resturant with me or at my house!
Maybe I am worrying unecessarily! They are just happy to be invited anywhere! (Are men a bit rubbish at socialising after a certain age?)
 
KatyCooks said:
I was just thanking you for calling us "girls" at our age. Long time since anyone called me a girl!
Click to expand...

Ah... I see.
It's probably a term that is stuck in my old ways. Like "the girl" who cuts my hair, or cleans my teeth.
Probably not *correct* anymore. No matter the age.
But I have no filters and I LIKE IT! :D

But yeah, you girls ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Linda0818
Do you have a cooking 'horror' story from when you were a kid?
Replies
9
Views
355
Linda0818
Linda0818
Katie H
I feel rested...finally!
Replies
8
Views
247
blissful
blissful
Katie H
Just discovered I REALLY scored at Goodwill last Thursday!
Replies
4
Views
341
Katie H
Katie H
Linda0818
Suggestions on materials for stuffing a 'bean' bag chair
Replies
17
Views
301
Linda0818
Linda0818
grumpyoldman
Morning breakfast fight
Replies
19
Views
433
caseydog
caseydog

Latest posts

Back
Top Bottom