With all options turned off, I suppose I need to go to the Office Christmas Party...

I don't even know what the point of it is. I thought this was just a one-time thing and I went, mostly graciously, last year. I lingered outside my manager's office today to tell her why I wouldn't be able to go after she told me the other day she expects me to attend (why she singled out me to remind or how she suspected I would be a no-show, I have no idea). But I guess I lost my nerve and besides she was on the phone most of the day so never had a chance. I'm not even sure what I would have said anyway.

I just don't like these kinds of gatherings and the whole night will be one awkward moment after another, I'm sure. My co-workers are fine to work with and all... except for a few, I guess... but I don't really enjoy socializing with them that much. And there is one girl... woman... who... well I'm no longer describing her physical body, but it's the one who is obnoxious AF and thinks she knows everything.

The real problem of course is this all sounds like middle school drama and here I am still trying to get through it. I generally don't have a problem interacting with others, but in a party-type of atmosphere it becomes a bit annoying and exhausting. I really don't want to go, but I will be there as though my job depends on it. It all seems so unfair.