How to survive a murder mystery party

I like to think that I'm good company. At least in small bits of company. But my wife is far more social than I am so we manage to get invited to parties from time to time.

But there is one sort of party I just cannot abide...

Murder Mystery parties.

Hey, we got invited to so-and-so's 40th birthday party.

Oh, cool.

It's a murder mystery party.

Cold silence.

---

It gets worse.

So, we're on our way and I'm thinking to myself... It'll be fine. We'll know everyone.

You know how your mom told you to never assume because you make an arse of 'u' and 'me'? Well... moms know their stuff.

We know maybe half of these people. (Who invites a mixed crowd to these things?) So here I am, dressed as Biff Somethingorother. Popped collar and all.

The game commences. One of my wife's best friends began to talk to me...

In character.

Now I have known this woman since 8th grade. But tonight she was Penelope Smathers, rich heiress of Smathers Chocolate.

Now, let me be clear. This is maybe top 5 most uncomfortable moments in my life. She held eye contact. Made conversation in an accent and fully in character. I nodded, dazed, and read off the important notes on my card and prayed she'd move on.

There were others like me. And some like her. Most were in between the extremes.

Why can't I just jump in and have fun at these things? I've presented to rooms filled with hundreds. I get to know strangers at conferences. I genuinely love social events with small groups of friends.

But pretending? Being in character? Has never worked for me. It just feels so awkward. Even if it's just for fun.

It's why I don't write with AI. It's why I don't wear a suit and tie very often. Those things are not me.

But golly, you doing you... That's a lot more fun than pretending to be Biff.

Best,

John Montgomery