Would you go to a party alone?

Spirogyra

It's after a run,so I suppose I'd have that much in common with the others. But I'd know probably none personally. In a pub,alone,I usually feel a bit awkward. How do others feel? Would others go?. Thoughts appreciated,thanksðŸ˜႒S

milli milli

Hi Spirogyra, yes I would (and have done). I think it's an important skill to have - to be able to do things on your own. I know loads of people who don't and I'm always perplexed at that. There will be times in your life when friends aren't available to do things so (especially as you get older) it's good to be able to do it.
It's not the easiest thing especially if you veer on the shy side. Smile, be open, make small talk, ask others how they got on with the run - actually running is a great topic to chat about; training, fitness, nutrition, etc.
You most probably will be anxious but you can give yourself a big pat on the back afterwards, as it's a good opportunity for growth and you'll feel great about yourself for having done it!
Best of luck!

anewme

100% go!

I've friends who won't even walk into a pub alone.

Being single with a lot of my friends married or coupled off, I spent a lot of my time alone at home. Then one day out of frustration when no one was available for holidays.....I went by myself(small group tour). And I've been going ever since.

Parties, functions etc do not have to be avoided because your on your own.

It really boosts your confidence also!

Just do it!!!life's too short.

intheclouds

I definitely would. I used to always go to things on my own. Cinema, weddings, parties etc.... It's grand. The main thing to remember is that if its rubbish you can just go home, and it's not like when you go to something rubbish with someone and you're stuck at it!

I quite like just having myself to worry about at these things.

lazygal

If I hadn't gone to a party alone this time seven years ago I wouldn't have met my now husband! So yes, go alone and you never know.

Milly33

Oh id go as all have said if you get bored or dont like it sure you can leave

Spirogyra

Saturday is the night...not sure how much I'll even be able to 'get cleaned up' after the (7 o clock ) run. I'll probably not be 'fully' as I'd like to be. Thanks again, I'll go for an hour or so regardless.

Milly33

Enjoy your night Spirogyra, just bring a quick change of clothes and out the gap.. Enjoy

Spirogyra

Hi while I really enjoyed the run 'Streets of Galway' the so called 'afters party' contained almost no reference to the race and there was hardly any obvious runners. Had a brief conversation with one lad at the bar about it ,he was lovely . But it felt just like a busy Saturday night in a busy pub. There wasn't really anything there for me and I left after about 90 minutes. I don't think I have much business in a pub on my own but at least thanks to others here, I was not afraid to try. ThanksðŸ˜႒

SarahMollie

I've done it a few times, but usually for a good reason, like a birthday or a going away. Two ocasions spring to mind.

1. I was friends wiht a girl in college who all the other girls took a bit of a dislike to. To be fair, she didnt come accross as the most "girls girl" but she never actually did anything bad. Her biggest crime was perhaps being a bit aloof. That said, she and I got on, so when she invited me to her house warming, I went along for a few hours, even though no one else from our course was there.

2. A former colleague who I'd kept in touch with after we'd finished working together. We'd always meet up for dinner and chats, just the 2 of us. So when she was moving to Auz, I went to her going away party even though it was all her home/school friends there. Again, just stayed a few hours and then met up with my OH at a friend of his engagement party.

Basically, wouldnt be actively seeking to go to parties alone, but if I want to go, I'm not going to let going on my own stop me!

beks101

Yeah same as SarahMoliie - I wouldn't seek them out, but frequently I've been in the "know the host only" boat and it didn't stop me from popping along.

When I lived in Canada it happened quite frequently and was probably the main way of networking actually. A work colleague might invite you to an all-Canadian thing or this random Irish person you met might invite you along to something, you pop along and suddenly have five new friends.

About a year ago I started taking a fitness class in one of these small independent gyms. Every few weeks they'd have an invite to a brunch thing on their facebook page after one of their Saturday classes. I loved the classes but didn't really talk to anyone, decided to pop along one Saturday anyway for the hell of it. Met loads of lovely people, including one guy who was really interested in what the company I work in does, a few weeks later I scheduled a meeting for him with the sales team and his company became a big client of ours a few weeks after that. I also got chatting to a few of the familiar faces from the gym, so made myself some fitness buddies which has played a big role in motivating me to get to more classes. So a productive brunch professionally as well as socially!

I find if you smile at everyone and be willing to have a conversation with whoever happens to be beside you at all times, it will get you very far at these things. People gravitate towards smiley friendly people.

cazzer22

Hey all, interesting thread. A few months back I would have said NO WAY. I've started to try lots of things on my own to get my confidence back. Things like shopping, coffee, brunch etc. I have to say it's made me feel more comfortable and I enjoy my own company much more. It's an important skill to have. Going to a party on my own, completely sober would make me feel a little anxious I have to admit.

Spirogyra

Would you believe I only later realized that the party was upstairs... No wonder there was no reference to the run. 'Some mothers do have them'.... This was Monroe's in Galway. I'm not from Galway.

intheclouds

Spirogyra wrote: »

Would you believe I only later realized that the party was upstairs... No wonder there was no reference to the run. 'Some mothers do have them'.... This was Monroe's in Galway. I'm not from Galway.

Oh my goodness!! Well that could happen to anyone. At least you went!

sullivlo

Spirogyra wrote: »

Would you believe I only later realized that the party was upstairs... No wonder there was no reference to the run. 'Some mothers do have them'.... This was Monroe's in Galway. I'm not from Galway.

Easy done in Monroes. Massive place.

Well done on being brave enough to go out alone though. Hopefully it won't put you off doing it again.

To me that seem a bit of an odd question, if at the moment you not seeing anyone or don't have a partner, you have been asked to the party by yourself unless the invitee said bring someone else? surely an invitation to a party is usually for one person. The last party I was at had a few people who came by themselves because they had been invited on their own and nothing dramatic happened they just chatted to various people as is normal at a party.

Spirogyra

mariaalice wrote: »

To me that seem a bit of an odd question, if at the moment you not seeing anyone or don't have a partner, you have been asked to the party by yourself unless the invitee said bring someone else? surely an invitation to a party is usually for one person. The last party I was at had a few people who came by themselves because they had been invited on their own and nothing dramatic happened they just chatted to various people as is normal at a party.

I suppose what I'm referring to is not a typical 'party' where generally one would be invited and have some tangible connection to at least someone there. A post-run party in a ' strange city ' is different, I wasn't directly 'invited'. I enjoy running but I do feel awkward in pubs in particular, when alone.

Lux23

I used to all the time. I was single for most of 20s, I am in a "for life" relationship now and I find that I am not as independent as I once was. I am less likely to go out on my own and I like my partner to come with me to parties. Having said that if he doesn't want to go, I will go myself. I definitely think being in a relationship can make you more dependant.