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My company decided to be too accommodating and move our team dinner to iftar time after I declined … but like why would I want to open my fast with awkward coworkers staring at me until I can eat?
Pro
This is hilarious! You can write a sitcom episode on just this part.
Rising Star
Can you skip it? Or ask them to reschedule for team dinner?
This is an opportunity for you. Politely decline (you can state that it’s due to religious reasons and that you’re fasting).
Set up a 15-30 min introduction meeting with this person - explain to the EA that you couldn’t attended the in person event and want to make sure you have the opportunity to connect. Make sure you’re prepared for this meeting with asking insightful questions, sharing about your self and asking them about themselves. Have some talking points prepared.
Your Ramadan is not worth sacrificing for a meet and greet (the being around alcohol part).
Pro
Neither of these sound mandatory to me, unless the project scope is eating lunch. Just skip it or ask them to reschedule.
I've seen a push this year encouraging companies to be more accommodating of our fasts. I'm sorry that your company missed the memo! I would politely decline if possible. If not, it won't be as awkward as you think it will. Offer a simple explanation but don't make too big a deal of it.
Politely decline. I'm sure there will be more of these events once Ramadan is over.
This is what I would do as well. I would see if you can reschedule. But I just read your comment that you can't so you may just have to deal with the awkwardness. So sorry!
I’ve attended events before where I’m not fasting. People might talk about it for a little bit and express guilt for eating in front of you or whatever but just be cordial and say it’s no big deal for you and they shouldn’t feel awkward. That’s all. It’s not as big a deal as we think it is.
I meant to say where I am fasting lol. Clearly the fast is getting to me today😅
I attended a team lunch hosted by PPEDs while fasting as an intern lol. Honestly, it wasn’t as awkward with the team as much as it was with the waitress who asked me “Not even water?!!” like 6 times 🙄
I’d just tell your team you’re fasting, make a light hearted joke about the situation if you can and tell youre not uncomfortable. Tell them you have to cut the HH short if you need to. It’s really not that awkward, just be your normal self and you’ll be fine.
I just don't go or I'll let them know I'm fasting if it's mandatory!
Our directors boss is in town that week and this is the first time she is meeting everyone in person so not something I can reschedule. Understandable that some would say it’s not ‘required’ however it would def look bad on me to be the only one not coming. Just tryna find some tips on how to navigate the awkwardness while they’re eating/drinking
Could you politely ask for 15 mins on the directors bosses calendar? Indicate that you won’t be able to make it to lunch (I’d say why so it doesn’t sound shady) and that you really don’t want to miss the opportunity to meet so would appreciate the 15 mins to say hello. Think of it as an opportunity for one on one time and the opportunity to show that your an initiative taker and not afraid to have an adult interaction with someone senior. It will speak volumes.