John Oliver, teasing his return to the air, speaks of the horror that is New Year's Eve. Mark concurs. I have been to one or two decent New Year's Eve parties…and then enough horrible ones that I now avoid them all. It's a bad night for a non-drinker who would rather not spend time around those who consume to excess.
I recall more than one party where several folks took the following attitude: "I'm not having a good time so I'll drink some more. And then if I'm still not having a good time, I'll drink some more. And then if I'm still not having a good time…" It wasn't the alcohol so much as this idea that you absolutely have to have a "good time" even if you're really not sure what that would mean. Trying too hard can make that not happen in the worst way.
After a few of these, I wised up. Haven't had a bad one since I decided to stay home that night. You don't have to go out that evening and once you accept that concept, it's probably even easier to enjoy yourself if you do travel somewhere to celebrate. Here's Mr. Oliver…