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Marvellous insights here casting warm light back upon my past re gatherings -- mid-century 1950's, I was the youngest in an active family socialising afresh after WWII. My Mum became a brilliant hostess of group festivities both small and large. My Dad, classic introvert with a warm heart, managed his hosting duties well and conversed mostly in anecdotes and shaggy-dog stories. Good role models, as was my oldest sib, talented single mom involved in the arts, a merry hostess. I helped her prep her decorations and other components for her parties. Painfully shy in company, I was a curious observer, if present at all. Priya's methods were much in play, super-successfully, so it's grand to see them gaining ground in this changed world seventy years on!

Somehow, my quiet presence in that vibrant renaissance of partying post-war meant that, once married to a very sociable young man, I became a rather 'groovy' hostess myself, capable of rounding up relatives for big reunions or holiday feasts, and basking in the shindigs myself. As a couple, we two fared well as hosts till my fella's death at age 40 (forty years ago!), Without my gregarious spouse as co-host and reliable buffer, I withdrew from hostessing,. Besides, few mixed gatherings dared to invite a youngish widow. IF I had an available "+1" myself I did sometimes create a small, easy-going event.

Luckily, attending 'do's' amongst people I know and like was pleasant as long as other singles were there too. -- Yet an unexpected Big Change recently: as a senior-Senior with scant interest in in-person hobnobbing anymore, I stay home, welcoming informative, thoughtful, and pleasing interactions in kindred groups such as ours here -- online! And today, thanks to your 'Babbel' connection, Susan, a dream is coming true: at last I am taking an affordable, well-reviewed, conversational French course -- online! 🇫🇷

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Dear Catharine, I love this comment in a thousand ways. Your spirit shines through. Also, I'm thrilled to know you're going to benefit from the Babbel connection!

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