Social Etiquette: Keep Your Spouse from Feeling Out of Place

Social gatherings provide a great opportunity for employees to bond away from the stresses of the workplace. Since spouses and significant others are often welcome at such events, colleagues get to meet that wonderful person you’re always talking about. While your partner may be equally interested in putting faces to the people you frequently mention, being the “outsider” in a situation where most everyone else knows one another can be difficult. Take the lead in making your date feel welcome by trying these tips from relationship expert April Masini of the advice column Ask April:

• Make introductions.

Introduce your guest or spouse to everyone as you see them. This simple act will make someone who feels left out feel included.

• Remember where you are.

It's easy to bump into someone at an office event and carry on where you left off five hours ago when you left the office. Don't. Your guest wasn't at the origin of the funny story, so either catch them up -- or better yet, leave office stories back in the office.

• Mingle wisely.

If you're about to steer your date or spouse towards one of two groups at the party -- one group is all office employees and the other includes employees with their spouses and dates -- choose the latter. Your “plus one” will be among other “plus ones,” and the conversation will be more balanced and interesting.

Tomorrow: Returning the favor – How you can be a good guest at your partner’s office party.

Image courtesy of Thinkstock/altrendo images.