How to Talk to Girls at Parties by Neil Gaiman (2007)

Perhaps women truly are from Venus.

Neil Gaiman continues to impress me as a short-story writer. Nominated for a Hugo Award, "How to Talk to Girls at Parties" is a darkly humorous tale that delves into the murky realms of teenage awkwardness and relationships with a twist.

Two best friends show up at a house party that seems a little peculiar. There seems to be an absence of other male attendees, leaving the duo amidst a sea of enchanting girls. Vic effortlessly commands attention with his outgoing charisma and the girls seem to naturally gravitate towards him. In stark contrast, the narrator, Enn, embodies reticence and shyness, stumbling through awkward interactions with a poignant portrayal of teenage angst. He struggles conversationally without much success, unable to establish any genuine connection with any of the girls he meets at the party. Moreover, all of them seem a little odd, not only in appearance but their manner of speaking and chosen topics of conversation. 

Enn grapples with a profound sense of failure when it comes to interacting with these girls, as if navigating a terrain inhabited by an entirely different species. Neil Gaiman cleverly seizes upon this notion with creative gusto, where dark comedy and speculative fiction collide with compelling results. To avoid spoilers, it is best to discover this one on your own.