4 Tips to Survive Engagement & Wedding Season at Work & Beyond

 

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_separator type=”transparent” position=”position_center” thickness=”1″ up=”20″ icon_pack=”font_awesome” fe_icon=”arrow_back” icon_type=”normal”][vc_column_text]For the first time in a long time, I felt like the “single person”. You know the one that rolls their eyes every time they’re invited to tag along as a third wheel. The one that had to endure the pre-meeting chatter of wedding planning and boyfriend picture sharing at work. My perspective changed when I watched my first childhood friend jump the broom in May. It’s surreal to have friends who are married. It made me realize that “yes” I’m getting older. [inlinetweet prefix=”” tweeter=”” suffix=””]I am at the age where some of the people in my life are transitioning to be wives and husbands.[/inlinetweet] So naturally our conversations will evolve from complaining about roommates to how annoying their future in-laws can be.  However, when I came back from my friend’s Atlanta rooftop wedding, the engagement/wedding chatter was easier to endure. What changed between now and then?

 

Well since attending her wedding I was able to make it through a work day without an eye roll, sigh and or side-eye. Here are some ways to survive a day of wedding/relationship mania at work and beyond:

 

1. Join the Conversation. Attending my friend’s wedding gave me a perspective to share during wedding conversations. Taking from her wedding experience, I could share what she loved and hated about the planning process with my colleagues. Now I could join the conversation instead of feeling left out.  Ask your friends and co-workers how their planning is going and open yourself up to listening to their experience.  Maybe you can bring a fresh perspective to what their challenges which will allow you to feel helpful instead of an outsider.
2. Boyfriends aren’t the only cute things on the planet. When Instagram pictures start to pass around among the group, pull out that adorable picture of your pet. Everyone loves pets, right? Seriously, learn the art of changing the subject.  Bring up something news worthy to chat about or compliment someone in the group as an ice breaker.
3. Change is okay. The transitions that our friends and colleagues are making affect our lives, too. The way we socialize will inevitably change and that’s okay. Be understanding when your co-workers can’t make it to happy hour or that your weekly Scandal nights with your best friend aren’t as frequent.  Acknowledge the fact that your friend is changing and open yourself up to meeting new people in the meantime.  Eventually he or she will know how to balance it all and  your Shondaland Thursdays will pick up where they left off in no time.
4. Be Happy! It’s not easy finding “the one”. You of all people should know this. It’s an exciting time when someone is in love and finds their soulmate. Celebrate with them as they relish in this moment.

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