Thirsty in Arroyo Grande
Apparently some people just don't understand that BYOB means Bring Your Own Beverage, and that the beverages people bring are their own unless they offer a drink to you. Write your name on the label with a thick marking pen, on a plastic cup placed over the bottle, or on the paper bag the bottle is in. If you catch someone drinking from your bottle, don't make a scene, discuss it with them discretely and politely.
I got a love letter in the mail from one of the men in the club. I never give out my address, and now I'm scared he might be stalking me.
Sleepless in Oceano
I understand your concern. You have to remember that many of the people in your club are suddenly single and middle-aged. They have forgotten how to date, or ask for a date. Rather than calling the police, I would suggest writing an open (and equally anonymous) letter to the editor of your club newsletter for publication.
The club calendar has lots of events on it, but none of the stuff I like to do. I end up going to movies and concerts by myself, or watching HBO and rented videos with my dog.
Home Alone in Halcyon
I have two ideas for you. The best idea is to go to the club board meeting and get an event of your liking onto the calendar. You don't necessarily need to know which movie or band is playing that night, you just need a time and place to meet. The other idea is to write up a short ad for the club newsletter, one listing your name and phone number and what nights of the month you like to go to the movies or dancing. Good luck!
The last time I hosted an event in my home, I was up half the night and spent all next day cleaning up the mess. Where did everyone go?
Grumbling in Grover
I hope you continue to host events in your home, in spite of the fact that some people can be quite messy, and accidents will happen. Rules help, but you have to post them prominently and clearly, like "No food without a plate." As far as cleanup goes, a signup sheet may work, but I prefer to use my own charms on some of the people at the event. If you ask them in just the right way, they can hardly wait until the end of the party to help you. (And no, you don't have to change into some slinky negligee at the appointed hour, although that will work.)
How can I get people to leave my home at a reasonable hour when I host an event? The men in particular seem to just hang around forever.
Still Up in Nipomo
First of all, be sure your event has a clearly defined and advertised start and END time. If you are a woman, I also recommend that you ask a man in the club if he will stay with you until the end of the event, not so much to clean up as to ensure that people actually leave. It should be someone on the board, or someone you already know, and if it is someone who interests you, well, Suzi doesn't get into that sort of thing, if you know what I mean.
Only certain people in our club get a list of members and their phone numbers. That doesn't seem fair.
Miffed in Santa Maria
Usually phone lists are for phone committee members and officers. Trust me, you really don't want any Joe Blow to be able to get his hands on a phone list, and certainly not any listing with addresses on it. (Just ask Sleepless in Oceano.) If you see someone interesting at an event, you have to make the effort to talk to them and get their name and number. That's the mixer part of a club event. If you failed to do this, then call an officer and get the name and number that way. They might even tell that special someone that you are interested in them, and that will have an effect. Oh, and if you volunteer for a position on the board, you may be entitled to one of those lists.
I want to go to one of the club events but I don't know what to wear. Among other things I have my Sunday-go-to- meetin' suit and a Grateful Dead tie-dye T-shirt, any suggestions?
Naked in Nipomo
Put on a robe, your curtains are open! Seriously, most of the club events are informal, but not quite casual. A suit is a bit much, but T-shirts are not enough. A sport shirt or blouse and slacks are the norm, but no polyester unless you are going to Retro Night at the Graduate. Save the Rolex and jewels for Vegas, and that plaid for the golf course. Remember that you live on the Central Coast, and feel free to wear what you wear to work, unless you are a pig farmer or an investment banker. Most successful singles are interested in your personality, not your wardrobe.
Next Month: Less contrived questions from real people in the club. Some questions this month are based on real people and events, and we apologize if we have embarassed you in any way. Suzi is not necessarily one specific person.