I usually like parties where some socializing and music occur. If I'm somewhere in a group of people I don't know, I tend to be quiet and observe. In a group of people I know, I do contribute some to the conversation. Though there's one friend, who when she has parties, is very good at holding court on various interesting topics, and there, it's great to just listen. If I'm somewhere where there's loud differences of opinion, I tend to tune it out. That's the time to make excuses to go.