The Dinner Party: Samantha the Natural
Follow the inner monologue of a Natural as they attend a dinner party. Part 4 of 4.
Welcome to Part 4 of the Dinner Party Series. Up to now, we’ve followed the experience of Pablo the Performer, Lena the Feeler, and Erik the Analyst. This week, we’ll meet Samantha, the Natural, at the same party. As you read, consider what seems familiar.
The Invitation
Oh, that’s nice. The Smiths are having a dinner party. I’m sure it will be nice, but I feel a little run-down from so many events lately. I’ll wait a few days to see how I feel before responding. They’ll understand.
OK, I’m going to attend after all. There are people on the guest list I haven’t seen in a while. Pablo is always fun, and I like having personal conversations with Lena.
The Preparation
Let’s see… dinner party. I want to look nice, but also be comfortable. I’m no fashionista, but I keep up with trends and try to stay current. Above all, I value clothes that fit well and work for a wide variety of occasions. Shoes, in particular, are something I notice. To me, they say something about a person.
I’ll need to find a small gift for the hosts. I could buy a bottle of wine, but that feels too easy. Personal is better. They have a dog, a boxer named Sylvester, whom I love. Maybe I’ll get him a new chew toy instead. They’ll appreciate that.
The Arrival
Arriving at a party is always nerve-wracking, but I usually keep my cool and don’t make a scene. After a few minutes, I know things will settle into a nice flow.
I walk in with a big smile and a thoughtfully wrapped toy. I hug the hosts, thank them, and ask if I can give the toy to Sylvester. Of course I can. I usually get along well with dogs and people alike. I find myself getting a feel for the room and calibrating so I can meet the moment.
Pre-Dinner
I usually have an intuitive sense for people and situations, but it’s not something I consciously think about. It just happens and sometimes gets me into trouble. When something or someone doesn’t feel right, I can be dismissive without giving them a chance.
I see familiar faces and pass a few glances with people I know well. I don’t feel the need to approach them immediately. I’ll get to it when it feels right. They know how it goes.
In conversations, I try to be a good listener and ask a lot of questions. I can usually tell when people are uncomfortable, so I try to find something interesting to ask that helps them open up. Erik and I aren’t alike, but he’s smart, funny, and real. I appreciate that.
People who know me from afar might think I’m shy, detached, or even cold. It doesn’t bother me too much. Most people eventually see who I am. My style is to be just off the stage, observant, and in the moment. My motto is “not too much of anything.” I enjoy the feeling of balance and composure, the calm ship in a storm.
The Dinner
Arriving at the table, I find people who I feel are informed and intelligent. Kareem and I shared a glance earlier; this will be our time to connect. Without making a scene, we end up across from one another.
When I have something to say, I want it to land well and show that I’m thoughtful. A well-placed pun, a quote from a movie, or a playful observation shows I’m engaged without being overwhelming. If the mood swings or things feel awkward, I often try to right the ship and get the group back on track. Calm composure wins the day.
I enjoy discussing popular culture, books, movies, art, and anything else that’s getting my attention. I’m a bit of a romantic and enjoy appreciating beauty, design, and flavor. I love it when someone takes the time to teach me something new. I probably know more about Napoleon than most. Thanks, Erik!
Some people may think I’m pretentious or haughty, and maybe I am. It’s not my intention. I’ve always had a keen awareness of culture and my place in it. I don’t always follow rules or conform based on expectations. I just have a sense of what works for me. That awareness leads to a kind of confidence that shows through, for better or for worse.
Winding Down
Before leaving, I’m sure to thank the hosts, give Sylvester a scritch, and say goodbye to a few people on the way out. There’s no need for theatrics. A few simple words, and I’m gone.
On the way home, I reflect on the people and conversations. I really connected with Kareem, and it felt good. I should be in touch more often. I forgot to speak to Lena. I should send her a text tomorrow. Overall, it was a lovely evening.
Home
Home feels good. I’m relieved, as if social pressure has been lifted, but it’s a fleeting feeling. It seems like a lot of people have two versions of themselves: social and not social. I’m pretty much the same person all the time, and that’s something I appreciate about myself. What you see is what you get.
Read the Dinner Party Series
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