Help me out here

[Mr. Pedantic]

I'm not very good with social protocols and such, but I had a question.

In a party or other kind of situation where you're mingling with people you don't normally talk to, if you're talking to someone and they say they're just going to get a drink or food or whatever, is the expectation that they will talk to someone else when they get back? Or do they cling to you like a limpet the whole evening?

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Social customs vary within the same country let alone different countries but, I would assume the clingy types are just a tad more socially dysfunctional than you are.

 

[Platypus]

I would take that as they're going to start a fresh conversation with someone else when they return and to not really re-engage that person unless they specifically come back to talk to you. It's a polite way of saying they want to mingle with other guests in my opinion.

 

[Markbnj]

In general well-adjusted people simply mingle casually and converse with one and other without dwelling on the specifics. If you find yourself analyzing your interactions, the train is already off the rails.

But since you are analyzing it, the person who left to get a drink was terminating the conversation. If they wanted the conversation to continue they would have either put off getting another drink, or included the other party in that effort.

 

[zerocool84]

In general well-adjusted people simply mingle casually and converse with one and other without dwelling on the specifics. If you find yourself analyzing your interactions, the train is already off the rails.

This /thread

 

[SlitheryDee]

I think the flow of conversation in a party setting is a bit more fluid than that. Small groups form and break up constantly around different topics as people wander around and catch different conversations they feel they have some input on. If someone walked away from you to get a drink I would fully expect them to happen across some other people on the way there or back and begin talking with them if the mood struck them to do so. Unless the person is your date I wouldn't expect them remain in your vicinity all night long.

 

[JumBie]

Depends on the level of alcohol consumption and drugs being used. Sometimes the person will go to get a drink and manage to get involved in a conversation with many people on the way there and back. If that occurs just move on and find someone else to talk to. However, usually if everyone is level minded then you can expect that person to come back to talk to you.

 

[waffleironhead]

This is a very interesting thread, excuse me while I go get some scotch...

 

[Markbnj]

It was very nice to meet you! We should get together some time. I'm just going to check on my wife.

 

[alkemyst]

I'm not very good with social protocols and such, but I had a question.

In a party or other kind of situation where you're mingling with people you don't normally talk to, if you're talking to someone and they say they're just going to get a drink or food or whatever, is the expectation that they will talk to someone else when they get back? Or do they cling to you like a limpet the whole evening?

You probably don't need to worry about that.

Now if they come back with the bouncers...then that is a worry you should have.