Walking into a unknown place filled with unknown people sounds awful (no, my Myers-Briggs test results did not tell me that I was an extrovert). So, how is it that I came to be in a certain local brewery, Brew House No. 16, talking with other people from the neighborhood, making friends (potential friends but with a good outlook) and drinking a half-priced beer?
I did not walk up to a random table and hope for the best. I’m nowhere near brave enough for that.
I signed myself up for the event — A MeetUp Happy Hour
Doesn’t that just sound magical? A cozy room with $5 drafts and friendly faces also looking for friends? Count me in.
Making friends is hard. Well, I like to think that it’s hard for everyone at least. I signed up for MeetUp as a desperate attempt for any kind of social interaction. I needed to get out of my apartment. I needed to find a place where conversation was welcomed. I really needed a drink. And all of this was gifted to me by a website whose goal is to connect people with similar interests in similar areas.
I’m not going to down play how nervous I was about walking into a place where I didn’t know anyone, but it was very much one of those situations that was a lot easier once I started. Everyone was there to hang out and talk and get to know each other and the experience was definitely one that made my night better than it was going to be (not that there’s anything wrong with sitting at home to read a book or watch a whole season on Netflix). Plus I had the chance to check out a cool brewery that was right down the street from me. I think that’s something worth trying again.. And cheers-ing to!
Essential Sustenance for Contemporary Aliveness 