Seasons: IC Contact/Continuations

[abnormalizes]

This is Evangeline! Sorry, I'm a little busy right now, but leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can!

Comments

[abnormalizes]

[She sends him a message with a video attached: Evangeline wearing the beetle ring on her little finger and lightly smooching it.]

Obviously I'll be there.

[splittingheadache]

[Oh, the way he absolutely beams seeing that... alas, he's going to respond to her text with text, but maybe she can just sense it from across Ellipsa -]

To be frank, I'd wondered if an invitation for you was even necessary, as your being there is nearly a given. But I've had that ring in my possession for a few days, wondering when would be a good time to gift it to you.
This provided a wonderful excuse. I'm pleased that you like it.

[abnormalizes]

I absolutely love it.

And I'm glad you sent me the invitation anyway, so I could read 'Louis Garou' on a fancy invitation.

[splittingheadache]

Well, of course. It's my full name, after all. What else am I meant to write for such a formal invitation?

[abnormalizes]

Can't argue with that. Should I put 'Evangeline Hole' on my next party invitation, then?

[splittingheadache]

I'll toss 7,000 moon coins your way if you're brave enough to.

[Sorry, Eva. He's a Grim Reaper. Making deals with potential consequences is literally an instinctive urge for him.
She's just lucky and hadn't given either of them a chance for something like that, yet.]

[abnormalizes]

Remind me in February. I'll probably forget before then.

[splittingheadache]

Hmm. I don't know.
Wouldn't it be cheating, saving such a thing for invitations to an orgy, specifically?
Where is the fun and risk of slyly tacking it onto the end?

[abnormalizes]

I've literally never thrown a party that wasn't sex-related.

[splittingheadache]

[...]

Due to lack of experience with other parties, or...?

[abnormalizes]

I mean, I've been invited to normal birthday parties? And holiday parties a couple times?

[splittingheadache]

Well, yes, but have you really not held a single one?

[abnormalizes]

Both the birthday parties I've held for myself here have been orgies. Rinku was in charge of my all-ages one this year. And I never held or attended any parties in the City.

[splittingheadache]

Hm. I see.

In that case, as a non-practicing therapist [sir don't make it sound like a religion] I suggest perhaps a dinner party, or something equally small and intimate with friends.

Such gatherings are important, Ol Siaion. They allow you to see your importance to others even without the benefits attached.
It's easy to tell oneself that you are loved, and that there are many people who love you... but it is something else entirely to see just how many people will show up at your doorstep merely to enjoy a meal and chat with you.

[abnormalizes]

I hang out with friends individually all the time! That doesn't count?

[splittingheadache]

The point is seeing them all together in one place, Evangeline.
It's the difference between "there are ten contacts on my phone that I have lunch with sometimes" and "there are ten whole people in my home, whom all arrived of their own volition, merely to talk and share a meal with me".
Does that make sense?

[abnormalizes]

I have object permanence, I know they exist when I can't see them...?

[splittingheadache]

[...

He has to put his phone down for a moment, hang on. Y'know, put it on the table, look out for the window for a second.
Ponder.

...

But, okay, no --]

Darling, dearest Evangeline, whom I adore so much. I am not saying that you lack object permanence.
Merely that it is a good way to remind yourself that you have so many people who care about you for so many reasons.

And, speaking as a non-practicing therapist [- stop?? -] I feel it is also important to give you that without the context of sex involved with it.

Please remember that you struggled with the idea of me giving you compliments that had nothing to do with how sexually attractive you are.

[abnormalizes]

I'm not arguing with that. I know I definitely still think of sex first when it comes to things I offer of value in a friendship.

But, okay, a party. Don't I still need some kind of occasion?

[splittingheadache]

Not at all. That is why I suggested something like a small dinner party; there are plenty of people who hold such gatherings merely because they can, after all.
Frankly, I'm surprised Lycaon hasn't yet. He seems the type. I might bring that up with him.

Anyway, though, parties aren't some sacred thing reserved for holidays. Hell, you could even make a holiday to celebrate, if you wanted to. Those aren't sacred, either.
All that matters is that you wish to see your friends and treat them to something fun.

[abnormalizes]

Huh.

The fact that I'm really reluctant to do this is probably more evidence that I should.

[splittingheadache]

Indeed, it is. And, frankly, I'm impressed that you recognize that.
Most people don't. They see their own mental resistence as a sign that they shouldn't pursue something at all, even if it would be worth it to them in the end.

In fact, the thought of "I'm reluctant to do this, thus, I should do it" is a prevailing way to tackle social anxiety in the moment.
The fear or discomfort or whatever else is often outweighed by the benefits in the end, after all.

[abnormalizes]

You have to do things that are uncomfortable or scary if you want to grow. That's how it worked for me with dating.

...Okay, but not right now. You've got your birthday, then next month is holiday stuff, and February is my birthday... Maybe January if nothing big happens to get in the way?

[splittingheadache]

Exactly. Not all growth comes from hardship, but sometimes hardship is necessary to remove blockages preventing your growth.
Like removing asphalt so wildlife can return in its place.

That said, January would be a lovely time for something like that. It's often empty and boring, merely a "stopgap" month before February.
Most everyone would be thankful for something to do.

[well, immediate RIP to her party plans, considering "everyone gets musical-hypnotized and her sister falls into a coma" feels pretty big and party-stifling,]

[abnormalizes]

[Little bit!! She may still need some de-stressing, but not by a party.]

I'll pencil it in then! Maybe I'll cook something vegan.