Ah yes the festive season is well and truly upon us. Welcome to the ‘random questions Emily gets asked at this time of year’.
Yes I went to my team dinner at work. Yes it was painful. Yes I went to our company Christmas party. Yes it was painful and LOUD. Yes I got dragged onto a dance floor against my own wishes. But I survived the environment. Yet I miss ONE cocktail night out and a co-worker comes up to me the next day and says ‘didn’t see you at the pub last night’ and catches me off guard. UGH.
I’m trying to navigate this sensory world and my limit is usually one social / festive gathering and I managed two out of three! So what would make my festive season that little bit better? Less questions.
1. I don’t drink alcohol. For some reason this throws everybody and I am questioned beyond belief. I don’t like the taste. That’s all there is to it! And yes, I’ll have a lemonade instead please.
2. I don’t eat much meat. This throws everybody. Again: I don’t like the taste (although chicken is okay sometimes). It’s easier to say I’m a vegetarian 🌱
3. I do find it difficult to dress up. I can wear a dress but I don’t like anything ridiculously tight or short. And high heels are a bit of a no-go due to tripping over my own feet normally in trainers everyday!
4. I’m dealing with sensory stuff in a new environment and holy moly all these questions do not help!
I can have fun without drinking, eating and dressing up. (Aka: cosy nights in watching Bake Off, Top Gear, Brooklyn 99 or a Louis Theroux documentary. Equally tucked up in bed with a book is just great too!)
Drawing by me. This post featured on my 21andsensory Instagram
21andsensory 
ah questions! I don’t blame you not wanting them! I think you should do what makes you happy! Happy Christmas! xo
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I know right?! Thank you – hope you have a fab Christmas! ☺️🎄
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Here I found another who doesn’t enjoy alcohol, the taste just puts me off. 🍋
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I must admit I do like alcohol (though I can’t drink an awful lot like some people can – I have my limits!)…it helps me to relax and be more social though :). I’m a bit weird with food too, mainly that I don’t like white food (mainly dairy), although I can tolerate some types in certain environments, for example if I am at home alone. Some foods I don’t even like to be around other people who are eating them, e.g. yoghurt, hummus, cheese..yuk!
As for clothing, I never wear dresses or skirts and I just wear what I am comfortable in, rather than dressing up. I generally don’t care what other people think! I also often forget to take my coat off when I go places, as I don’t like the change in temperature! I suppose it also makes me feel more secure.
Happy Christmas!
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You rocked it! I wish people would just allow us to graciously say no to events and still appreciate us.
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