Amal Clooney speaking at a State Department reception celebrating social enterprises. She elaborated on her thoughts in an interview with makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury for Glamour Magazine. In a recent interview, Clooney explained what she looks for in guests. She noted the need to find a mix between time with self and time with community.
For example, Clooney shared her experience of coming to the realization that some homes need shoes off as soon as you walk in the door. She joked about the prospect of her socks or feet not being on their best behavior in those scenarios. She wasn’t wrong to think that it would be pretty hilarious! “I now have a phone basket that I use to take everyone’s phones away!” she remarked, emphasizing her desire to minimize distractions during gatherings.
The personal injury attorney turned human rights advocate emphasized how important it is to pay attention to the little things when going out with friends. To her, this means scrutinizing everything from the menu to interior design, dialogue and attire of other diners. She remarked that she deliberately always puts herself in the company of remarkable people. Which is what makes her experience so much fun to read.
“It’s important to get that balance where you have time alone with your family and with your friends where people feel like you can have a safe and frank exchange,” Clooney stated. This expression is indicative of her understanding that it’s absolutely crucial to proactively reconcile social dynamics. She cautioned against inviting guests if a person cannot manage the social interaction involved.
Clooney’s relaxed demeanor, which she likened to that of a “wounded honey badger,” allows her to navigate social settings with patience. To recharge her social batteries, she often hides in quiet spaces of retreat. A bathroom is one of her favorite places, where she can find a little time to herself.
When I spoke to Clooney about her hosting sensibilities, she seemed positively inspired. She even gave a behind-the-scenes look at her relationship with her husband, George Clooney. She was just trying to send him a “sick meme.” It included an anteater doing the #inmyfeelingschallenge pose and it brought the fun to their connect.
Clooney’s observations offer a powerful way to look at socialization, born out of deep professional knowledge and profound personal experience. In all this, she depicts social events as inherently complicated. They provide moments of blast with authentic connections that are amazing.