The Art of Wing Woman

Posted on January 21, 2011 by Susan Doyle

This marks my first post of 2011, and I’m only twenty one days late! I’m going to spare you the ridiculous excuses and just say I’m a lazy so and so. Sorry!

When I get to January, I tend to start making an inventory of my accomplishments from the year gone by. It’s just a short list of goals I have achieved or skills that I’ve picked up so that I can make some realistic resolutions. When the big obvious ones are already down, I start digging for smaller less monumental things. That’s when I discovered I had mastered a true art: the art of wing woman.

I first learned what a wing woman was at a teen night club in New York (I had snuck out to be there..but that’s another story entirely!). My friends would be dancing and guys would come up behind them for a boogie. They couldn’t get a good look at who was approaching and they’d look over to me to get my reaction. Smile and nod meant, yea, he’s cute, continue with the dancing, frown and head shake meant, Nah, he wouldn’t be your type! There was a lot of trust involved in this scenario and that level of trust still exists on the wing woman front today.

Being part of a couple on a group night out is generally great. You have someone to dance with, someone to get you a drink at the bar and someone to hail a cab at the end of the night – all without the sleazy consequences of a random score. But what happens when you’re out with lots of single people?

Well this happened very recently to me and I noticed my wing woman skills were not only put to the test, but were extremely successful. I was able to provide the following to my single and ready to mingle peers:

1. Suggestions as to where the optimal places to dance were – based on the surrounding talent, if you will

2. Minor adjustments to hair and makeup (not easy in a steamy night club bathroom…)

3. chewing gum at the ready

4. I have been known to dance ridiculously, all in the name of making my friend look way cooler, of course.

5. The ability to sense when it’s time for me to get lost!

Do I think of myself as a modern day Yenta? Not quite – but at least I can be of assistance in some way.

The only downside to the whole thing is seeing your friends all successfully pull and realising you’re all alone for the long walk home. Thank god your other half is there, waiting to share your bag of chips!

The ultimate wingmen

Goin’ to the Chapel…

Posted on November 29, 2010 by Susan Doyle

Weddings are great craic. I learned this first hand last weekend when Conor’s friend from work got married at Dunboyne Castle, County Meath.

Before that wedding, the last one I had gone to was eight years ago! It was my brother’s wedding (he’s a good bit older than me) and I was the Maid of Honour at 16. To start off with, I was self conscious in a figure hugging dress (I was a size 8 at the time, oh what I’d give to be able to wear that dress now!) I also couldn’t drink. On the craic scale it was a mere 7.

However, grownup weddings – ones where you’re a guest – are excellent! I was pretty nervous as I had never met any of Conor’s work friends before. Fortunately, our table was a good mix of very interesting people from all different professions, the food was scrumptious, the wine was flowing and the dance floor was free for the taking. The band played lots of soul music – and a bit of Stevie Wonder (one of my faves!) which forced Conor onto the dance floor. I’m very lucky and he is quite the mover!

The only downside for me was the Church. I realise that for some people, getting married with a priest and some lovely bible readings is the only way to do things – but its definitely not for me. Now my wedding day is a long way off – but I’m pretty sure I will not have my wedding in a church. For starters, the whole congregation wasn’t arsed answering the responses. The priest was pretty much saying them himself! Secondly, did those lovely bible readings mean anything to the bride and groom? If so, brilliant. If not – then what’s the point? I’d be much happier if my friends and family read meaningful prose or poetry than the same old passage from St. Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians.

I’d much prefer my wedding to be in a place that means something for me and my beloved. The ceremony should include everyone and be accessible for all our friends and family. And most importantly, it should reflect the journey we’re about to go on.

Anywho – that’s all a bit heavy! The night ended well, with my very ghetto dancing to “Empire State of Mind”. Yes you read that correctly: ghetto. Everytime that song comes on, especially after a few drinks – I think its being played for me and only me. I feel like everyone in the room knows I’m from New York – and therefore I must dance accordingly. *Puts face in hands* When will I learn eh?

Unfortunately, I have no photos of the day – but here’s what I wore:

Love Warehouse at this time of year!

I was going to pop up some lovely wedding-esque photos to give the right atmosphere – but there’s no better place than Leo Doyle Photography! (Did I mention my Dad is a photographer?) His website’s being updated at the moment – but you get the idea!