It's not my masculinity or manhood I'm concerned about by going to a shower but more about feeling awkward and not really talking to anyone at such social gatherings. Sure I'll see fellow workers there but then it's not like I really buddy up with them at work. I can't imagine going there, pretending to enjoy myself while I'm wondering what the heck do I say or talk about or to whom do I go up to and make small idle chat. I'm not a social person and tend to remain aloof, which could be misinterpreted as being snooty or not enjoying myself or other people's company. Anyway, giving fancy diapers sounds good. I'll have the hostess of the shower give the gift for me. :)

I'm sure there will be friends and family members of the parents-to-be who will attend, but as far as people from work, there is me and four other male employees. I don't know if they will go.

Just go for say a half hour and excuse yourself and disappear.

It depends, if I were him and didn't hate the people I worked with I'd probably guy for awhile. This sounds like a "work" baby shower.

You never know might be some fun.

Their is a fine line between being aloof and anti social.:D

Baby shower means the woman is preggo, right? Doesn't that make the boobs larger?

Yes, but don't be greedy; they're for the baby.

I wouldn't go. Getting someone to give your gift for you is win win.

I had the misfortune to attend a baby shower once. If you're going, leave your testes at home, and practice your cooing for the expected (nay, demanded) reaction when Mommy unwraps some overpriced yuppie rug-rat rag.

Ok, you've got me on my soapbox now. As I get older and notice that my personal hourglass is starting to have more sand in the bottom than the top, I have become much more ruthless about how I dedicate my personal time. Social conventions? Acting PC? Frick ALL of that. Here's what it comes down to: Do I want to go? If so, I'm there. If not, I'm not.

Sharing is possible.

Not if the host and the mom feel you are snubbing.

Somehow I never had that problem when I attended one years ago. Never had to practice either. Just took a glance at the baby, "Oh, he is healthy. Good for you." and was done.

Somehow, I think if you feel you have to leave your testicles at home, you probably don't have them anyways. I have been to dinners where I am the only non-medical person and it hasn't made me feel stupid. I have been to Victoria's secret and helped the wife pick out stuff and I don't feel weird. This is a social event just like any other. Might as well be a X'mas party. And yes, I have been to those although I am not agnostic. Hell, I have even been to church and don't believe. I took the host and wine although I don't believe because it was out of respect to a friend who was getting married.

Somehow, I can't fathom why people feel so weird at these supposed "female events and/or places".

I'm not for acting PC. I am looking at it from a political standpoint.

Keep patting them on the back. You never know when they might need to find a knife stuck between their ribs in the back. That or they might make more open roads for you.

Paul, thank you. Can you paint over espresso?