The Alchemy of Social Instigation

A good party, in my opinion, is magical.  It could be a backyard bonfire under Texas stars, a sparkling masquerade party or a nostalgic going away party.  Whatever the case may be, there is something that comes together to turn chips and salsa, an ordinary room, and a group of humans into memory gold.  I've always been the social instigator in my sets of friends growing up.  I've thrown some frolicking rolicking good parties, and I've also had my fair share of flops.  The chemistry behind a good party has always intrigued me.  What's the perfect formula?  What person can make or break a party?  Will it change anything if I serve apples instead of Oreos?


Curious to hear other perspectives on this social alchemy, I talked my friend Brian into doing an interview.  Being a social instigator himself, I knew he would have some insight into the whole process...

Tell us a little about yourself (name, age, occupation, hobbies, quirky things,
whatever):

My name is Brian Good. I’m 23 years young. I’m told I have a big boy job. At least, I like to think I have a big boy job. I dress up decently nice and have a desk - thus equals “big boy job.” I
currently work as an intern at DriveTime as a Retail Ops Specialist until I finish up my final year at the wonderful and oh-so classy ASU.

Quirky things? I love to scrape and eat the toppings off my pizza before I eat the actual pizza.
Other than that, I am the most un-normal person you will every meet.

Do you consider yourself the social instigator when it comes to getting your friends
off their couches and into something awesome?

I say this time and time again. If it wasn’t for me, my friends would have no social lives whatsoever. Yes I am the instigator and it sucks. If I don’t think of something to do, we typically don’t
do anything. I love having that power, but if there’s one thing I have learned as I get older, it’s that responsibility SUCKS. No thanks.

So do I like? No. I love it.

Have you ever had an epic party fail?

Parties are for college kids. All I have is budget meetings.

What are the magical ingredients to social events? Is there some kind of super formula that will guarantee my next event will be awesome?
It’s all about the ratio. When you want to throw a decent party, you need to have a good guy-to-girl ratio. If it’s a bro fest, no one is ever gonna have fun - but me.

What guarantees a good girl turn-out? Katy Perry and disgustingly fruity drinks. That’s my trade secret. Enjoy.

What, in your opinion is the biggest party killer?

That weird kid that your friend’s friend brings. All he does is creep your friends out and drink your partying supplies.

Have you noticed certain stereotypes of parties or people at social events that you
find hilarious or intriguing?

Specifically NAU students and frat kids. NAU kids are the coolest dorks. Ever. Their parties are decent if Ugg boots and North Face jackets are your thing. Just don’t forget to bring you “mountain goggles.” Yea, that’s a spin off of beer goggles. And well, Frat Kids are just narcissistic. All of them. From the outside, they’re all tools. In their brotherhood of secrets, tank tops and the fist pump are still cool.

Do you have any questions for me while you're here?

Why the infatuation with parties? I feel behind that Baptist 3rd grade teacher facade, you’re a wild one.





Haha.  Clearly, you've never been to a Baptist potluck.  I love hostessing, for one, because it brings people together to spend time, which I think is something that's becoming increasingly rare.  I'm also fascinated by social dynamics - how people act under certain circumstances.  Then, of course, I love good food and dancing and the occasional riotous game of Scattergories.

How often do you and your girlfriend, Lainey, co-plan events?

Hardly. Ever. If you know Lainey, then you know she is the most indecisive person to ever walk
the planet.

“What do you want to do tonight?” “Whatever.”
“What are you hungry for?” “I could eat anything.”
“Me and Garrett are going out. Do you want to come?” “It’s Garrett and I, and I guess.”

How does that go?

I mean it goes well. Once again, I assume the responsibility of “event coordinator.” Like I said, if it wasn’t for me, my friends would do nothing. Girlfriend included ;)

Thanks, Brian!

That's all for now, folks.  See you at the next party.

Little Miss Sunshine