mask

Behind the Mask
by Cyn

Death was a charmer, and tall. Too bad his attention was diverted by the genie. I decided to flirt with a man with an eye patch. It was not a bizarre fashion statement. I was at a Halloween party.

It is an annual party organized by a singles group. The Halloween Bash is one of their biggest events and a fun way to meet people. People in costumes are much more open and friendly. The costumes hide shyness. My conversation with the pirate was typical of most conversations I had that evening.

"So what are you?" The costumed man asked.

"I am a woodland fairy. So you're a pirate?"

"Yep, What makes you a woodland fairy versus an ordinary fairy?"

"Wingspan," I turned to show my wings. "Where's your parrot?"

The costumes provide instant discussion. Therefore the disguise you choose is important.

The costume has to be clever, but not complicated. If you want to light up and breath fire, then you will probably win a prize, not a date. Try not to be obscure. Dressing up like Sun Tzu may make perfect sense to you, but not to others.

Costumes for women must show skin. Ball gowns belong at a renaissance faire not a singles event.

Men should stay away from face painting unless you are artistically inclined. You will not be able to get the exact 'Blue Man Group' blue.

In addition if your costume is a group concept, then come with a group-Mary Ann without the Millionaire, his Wife, the Professor, the Movie Star, Skipper and Gilligan is lost.

Stay away from accessories. In an hour you will want to rid yourself of the trident, Toto, and sword. They make it difficult to dance, and one hand is now occupied.

Nothing too silly like a teddy bear, or a baby. On the other hand you don't want to make a political statement so I wouldn't attend a party as a priest or soldier. Do not even think of going as a bride.

In the end you will have a good time, freed from your usual constraints. As a flapper you can be flirty. As a mobster you can be more confident than your usual self. I made friends with someone from Star Trek, and it was all because I could use the line, "Beam me up, Scotty."