The Ethics of An Awesome Hat

[The Lemurian]

So, this week I got asked to take a friend of mine to her graduation dance. It's sort of traditional, and, purely for the hell of it, I decided to bring a bowler, on the basis that it would be kick-ass. And it was. We got photographed in a local paper and everything.

But at the dance, once people realised that the hat wasn't actually glued to my head, they kept asking to borrow it. Then they tried borrowing it off each other. By the end of the night, once the drink had flowed a bit and people started getting groggy, they were stealing it off one another and playng keep-away.

Now, they all enjoyed having the hat. And I got the hat back back in the end. But the constant swiping probably made the night quite a bit less enjoyable for quite a few people.

What makes it slightly worse is that I've been asked to come to her next one(whenever it is) on the basis that "everybody liked me". The problem is... I was there. I know for a fact that I spent most of the night silent(damned chronic shyness), which renders the above comment as either "Everyone loved that you didn't get drunk and start picking fights" or "Everyone loved your hat". Neither prospect is very encouraging.

The question I'm asking is, should I go back next year? And if I do, should I bring the hat?

(Also, I didn't bring a camera, so as soon as I can find someone's pictures of the night, I will post a picture of the hat in question.)

[Nikki]

I kind of know what you mean. Sometimes when I go to parties and that sort (which is a rarity, because I'm shy as hell), people just invite me back because I didn't annoy them, or because I don't gossip or say nasty things about people (high school drama, which I don't understand or participate in).
I think if you had fun the last time, and you like the people you were around (and if you like that person enough), then you should consider going. No one's stopping you from leaving if you don't feel comfortable or wanted there. Especially if they're drinking, but I'm just saying.
That hat story does seem pretty funny, and a very clever idea on your part. Maybe you should experiment and see what happens if you just turn up sans hat. Then again, if you just love hats that much... hats are awesome...

[tom-tortue]

go but see if you could find the most extraagant hat you have ever seen maaybe a top hat or a sombrero(sp)?

[PostmodernMacro]

Next year, if you want to go, show up in the most ridiculous hat you can find. THEN see if anyone wants to borrow it. =P

I recommend a Seuss-esque Cat In The Hat hat.

[Sorcha]

Definitely!
People will recognize you from the last time, and start talking to you.
And if you're shy, the hat will be a good talking point to start off conversations :)
x

[Sarah Lenore]

Next year, I think you SHOULD glue the hat to your head.