#288 Go to Board Game Night Alone
I’ve done my fair share of solo social outings. Tonight I continued with that by going to a board game night alone.
This particular board game night was put on by my friend, Bob. I saw by the guest list that he was inviting some people that I knew. I also knew those people probably wouldn’t show up. I also deduced that Bob was inviting people from different social circles. It’s always weird to play board games with people you don’t know. There are always varying levels of competitiveness among people and when don’t know how into a game someone is, friction can ensue. But I told Bob I would go regardless.
I had to have dinner with a friend then got home to get ready to go to Bob’s. I was extremely tired and kind of feeling like gum at the bottom of a shoe in general. I didn’t feel like I had the energy to meet a bunch of people let alone play board games with them.
But like I said, I told Bob I was going to go and one of my pet peeves are people who say they are going to go to something but don’t. Just say you aren’t going in the first place.
It didn’t help that it was cold, windy and raining but I lugged it out there like a champ.
I came into the Bob’s apartment and sure enough, I knew none of the ten or so people there. Bob introduced me to a few people. I got a drink and then talked to a couple of guys. I have a routine now where I just try to have a few solo or small group conversations when I first get there to make me feel more comfortable.
I didn’t plan on playing any games but it’s actually a pretty good way to socialize. I played Jenga and Apples to Apples. There was definitely one girl there who was way too competitive. There’s always someone like that. Often times that person is me. But when I don’t know the people, I tone it down. This girl didn’t.
But I still had fun anyway.
