Can I bring my tattooed boyfriend to my law office's holday party?
I work at a small law firm as a legal assistant, and our holiday party is coming up. I have been working for the firm for over a year and helped to plan the party, which is going to be at a local bar. Everyone expects me to bring my boyfriend. No one at work has met him, but they ask about him. No one has met or seen him yet because he is practically covered in tattoos (hands included),and his ears are stretched to 1 1/2".
I have alot of (tasteful) tattoos too, which one of the attorneys who owns the firm has seen. He's laid back and doesnt really care. The other attorney is really conservative and would be absolutely APPALED by my boyfriend's appearance. He has a problem with tattoos.
I have worked really hard to project a professional appearance at work. I get along great with both bosses and everyone I work with. I feel like if I bring him to the party, it will draw attention to things about me that I dont necessarily want people I work with knowing about. Also, my bosses' small children will be there and I dont know if it might make the him uncomfortable.
On the other hand, if I dont bring my boyfriend, it will look strange to everyone. He also knows about the party and just assumes he is going. His appearance is the only thing "weird" about him. Otherwise he is smart, friendly and really outgoing. Also, he has really great tattos. He has even been in magazines for them. Asking him to cover up would hurt his feelings, and it would be pointless. Even a long sleeved shirt won't work- he his knuckles and hands are tattooed.
The party is just a happy hour at a local bar. We are 23 and 25 and we live in the city. And it is the year 2007. A few tattoos should not even be a big deal. I absolutely have to go to the party. Should I bring him , or make up an excuse and go alone?