Cocktail Party Myth #4: Stay alert for hints that the host may wish to wrap up the evening.
They make it sound as if you should cower near the door with one arm in your coat, ready to bolt into the night the instant the host glances at his watch. I say poppycock! Hosts are notorious blackguards of caution, and as such should never be allowed to sway the natural exuberance of the festivities. Instead of staying alert for hints — and who the devil is going to be alert at that hour? — you should meet each, “It’s getting kinda late,” and, “Who needs a cab?” with complete oblivion or, if pressed, outright derision. I’ve watched parties that the host attempted to extinguish at midnight flare back up and rage on well into the following afternoon.
