New are the pity parties: throwing a party when things are not going well

Of course, if you have something to celebrate, you throw a party. But what if you have absolutely nothing to celebrate? Then you throw a party too.

New are the so-called ‘pity parties’. That means: throwing a party because things aren't going well for you. Because you feel a bit sorry for yourself , not feeling great. Feeling down. How do you do that? You can do it in two ways. The first way is to invite all your besties, drink red wine, have good conversations, and eat a lot, a lot. Comfort food is allowed. Laugh, cry, throw everything on the table. Be honest. Another way is to keep it nice and intimate and meet with just one other person, your love or your best friend, your sister or mother, and then also chat for hours, have chocolate on the table and sip tea. You can lie on the couch, talking about the ups and downs in your life. As long as you have someone around you with whom you can share your story.

The good thing is, according to psychologists, that you acknowledge for a moment that things are not going well for you. Sometimes you are just tired, angry, frustrated, sad, in shock, emotional. As people, we like to keep up appearances and always act in public as if everything is completely okay. But sometimes it’s just not okay, and that’s not a problem. It’s already a big step if you tell your loved ones that you’re not completely happy. And by throwing an official pity party, you make it something funny and seek social support. That’s ultimately the best thing you can do when you’re feeling a bit down.

Why a pity party is actually a good idea when you’re feeling a bit less happy?

First of all, you accept that you don’t feel well and then you clearly explain that to others. This way, you get more understanding for your situation.
A party has a clear ending. You can chat all night and cry and complain, but when the party is over, it’s done. Then you move on and have your worst troubles behind you.

You don’t need much for it: only the people who know you very well are welcome. And that brings peace of mind: no hectic situations with anyone.
It provides relief, because that tension you’ve been holding in for a long time is gone.
It’s your party and your sadness, you get to fully decide how you want to fill it in.
Make sure that however you feel, frustrated, angry, sad, that you really feel that. Embrace your emotions, let everything out, and tell yourself: ‘Right now I feel this way. But it will pass.’ Remember that emotions are always temporary, but do show those emotions and don’t hold back.

What you can also do: blow up a balloon. Leave it lying around your house. When you see it, you can feel those emotions again. But as soon as the balloon has shriveled or popped after a few days, a new start begins for you. And then you hang up a garland. Because that’s how you keep life fun, right? Hanging up the garlands yourself and moving on.