This weekend column is brought to you by the founders of Niceties Tokens, Liz and Pete of Team Nice.

25. Fancy that

Last night was the third niceties tokens party. Our one-year birthday. It was a really fun night, and because Team Nice teamed up with Bring Stuff (meet ups and social events with a fancy dress theme) guests where requested to bring hats and wigs to wear and share.

The atmosphere in the party was great, because most people there knew the concept of Team Nice. But as the organiser I was sober and having to dash out of the party on errands, and because of this I could make a few observations… in particular that something strange happens when comedy outfits and alcohol mix. You can’t help but look when someone is wearing a pink beehive wig or and if you make eye contact with that person, they can’t be intimidating.

So unless you think that the wig wearer is either drunker than you or bonkers, you are bound to exchange smiles.

The alcohol is just a temporary influence of losing your inhibitions, which would come from confidence without it. A confidence that could grow through living in a nicer, safer society.

When you notice someone wearing a funny T-shirt, or walking a cute dog, you possibly know that if you wanted to, you could make a comment about it and they would be receptive. Reducing fear and anti-social behaviour from a community, is heavily about feeling safe to communicate with your neighbours.

So, in spangly shoes, blue wig, and elephant nose, a philosophical statement buzzed around my head all night…

The world would be a nicer place if we all wore fancy dress everyday.

Hmmm.

Thank you very much to the O-Bar, the band Sherbert Didds and the extraordinary Karauke (the Ukuele Karaoke band) it was incredibly nice of you to donate your fantastic services to the cause.

By Liz Akers