To me having a party is something like having a baby. The fact that you got through the last one alive is not somehow sufficiently reassuring now.

Jean Kerr (1922–2003) American author and playwright [b. Bridget Jean Collins]

Essay (1970 ca.), “Partying Is Such Sweet Sorrow,” Penny Candy
    (Source)

This essay appeared in the Ladies Home Journal prior being collected in the book, but I have not been able to determine the issue / date.