Ladies (and gentlemen),

So, I am not terribly good at social events. I chose science as a career for a reason: I don't have to interact with people as much as in other fields. So, I am working for a small tech company in their remote office. They have some questionable practices, but are willing to let me pursue my PhD while remaining employed full time. As I mentioned, I am not good at schmoozing. Moreover, I think the company is a trifle dubious, so I stay out of most conversations. One would not say of me that I am aggressive on the career ladder at all. Our project manager came up from the main office about a month ago, and had his back turned to me while talking to others in the office. I walked up to join the conversation (it was about my project), and he kept his back turned to me. I don't really like him anymore. We have these 'consultants' I call them Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum (you know, just to my BF), and they are ... dumb, but good at getting grant funding. They too dismiss me. I figured it was because I didn't really want to be a part of things around here, and as long as they leave me alone, I am happy to leave them to their good - ol - boys club.

There are three people around here that have asked me to be a part of a new prospect. We got our first little bit of funding and went out to celebrate. The project manager in my current position knows about it -so it's not like we are sneaking around (but this is an aside). So, last night at dinner, the other three are men, and they all sat around with their heads together, and (literally) switched spots so they could all sit together. I sat with the wives. My bf sat with the other principles. I again felt left out and dismissed. I don't know what to do about this. I will say this: the other three (men) have known each other for some time, and they were well into starting this new enterprise without me. They needed a biochemist/molecular biologist, but I'm not sure all of them are stoke on adding another body to the ownership list. So, maybe that's it. Maybe it's just me...

How do you all handle situations like this? How do you (without being labeled a bee-otch) manage to participate in the good-ol-boys garbage? Should I just give up and let my good hands and mind speak for itself? Honestly, I don't care much about the business side of things. I like to do science and I like the idea of being a part owner in this company...

Thanks!