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The main thing is relax Mark Send a noteboard - 10/11/2009 05:40:28 PM
First off, you all know I'm completely hopeless at social things, for a pretty good combination of reasons. But that doesn't change the fact that I've recently turned 21 and have still never been to a bar in my city. And I want to have one little tiny taste of that college experience. Problem is, I don't really have friends here - well, I have one, but he's odd and I'm sort of angry at him anyway. :P

Actually, what I really want to do is go to a lesbian/gay bar. Two new experiences in one! That would even more definitely rule out the hetero male friend, though.

So, yeah. How does one go about this? How do you even know which bars cater to the LGBTs? What kind of clothing do you wear? Does it mark you as a pathetic loser if you just sit there by yourself at the counter?

I'm not looking to do anything wild or crazy, and I'm probably too shy to dance, so maybe it's just a bad idea anyway. All I really want to get out of it is a good beer and maybe a conversation with a pretty girl or two. Curiosity. You know.

All advice welcome.
Also, thanks to Mat Maniac for making me feel less embarrassed about my embarrassing social problems by posting about his own. ;)


As I recall it can be quite nerve racking (hey it's been a while since I was actually on the scene proper, so I'd probably be nervous again) but ultimately worth it. Check online to see what LGBT bars are around. Also consider looking for other LGBT venues (e.g. coffee shops, resource centres, etc.), if you are really nervous it might be a better idea to start out somewhere that doesn't have alcohol.

On the alcohol issue, it might be a good idea not to drink any if you are nervous, stick to sodas or juices. If you are by yourself and feeling anxious you will drink a lot quicker than you normally would, which if you are not careful will lead to you getting drunk quite quickly.

It might be an idea to go to a bar earlier in the day, so during the afternoon or just after work. It's a more relaxed part of the day were usually people aren't trying to hook up with each other. It might be easier to start a relaxed conversation at that time of the day also. Also it is much less weird to sit in a bar reading a book during the middle of the day, than it is later in the evening.

Anyway the main thing is too relax and enjoy yourself.
Once known as Hochopepa

You cannot kill a vampire with an MDF stake; werewolves can't fly; zombies do not run. - Simon Pegg
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Need social advice. Is it... you know... allowed to go to a bar by yourself? - 09/11/2009 03:57:51 AM 960 Views
Eek! I'm sorry I'm sorry! - 09/11/2009 03:58:21 AM 538 Views
Of course it is! - 09/11/2009 04:06:22 AM 461 Views
For girls too? - 09/11/2009 02:22:09 PM 434 Views
Yeah - 09/11/2009 04:30:27 PM 496 Views
Dude, this has nothing to do with TV - 09/11/2009 07:43:33 AM 537 Views
I know! I'm a dork! - 09/11/2009 02:13:10 PM 579 Views
It's hard, and I admire anyone who can pull it off. - 09/11/2009 10:21:43 AM 471 Views
Same here - 09/11/2009 11:36:30 AM 404 Views
Hm. I'm used to feeling socially awkward already, though. - 09/11/2009 02:07:45 PM 509 Views
Bring a book? *NM* - 09/11/2009 11:01:54 AM 303 Views
... but which book? - 09/11/2009 02:09:29 PM 397 Views
If you take a book.. - 09/11/2009 02:12:13 PM 465 Views
To a gay bar in the midwest? Hehe. - 09/11/2009 02:29:07 PM 492 Views
lol, oh dear. - 09/11/2009 02:43:41 PM 507 Views
Re: Twelve at a time! *NM* - 10/11/2009 04:04:41 AM 171 Views
Of course it is. - 09/11/2009 12:40:06 PM 464 Views
Thank you, that's good advice. *NM* - 09/11/2009 02:08:16 PM 188 Views
I've been to straight bars, and gay bars.. - 09/11/2009 02:11:40 PM 621 Views
Thank you, Amy, that really helps. - 09/11/2009 02:16:33 PM 503 Views
You could ask 'teh gay' that you know that lives in the same city as you do. - 09/11/2009 02:16:12 PM 423 Views
I was being passive. Hoping you would see this and respond. - 09/11/2009 02:18:59 PM 398 Views
No, I'll reply in full/send noteboard. We can arrange something so you don't go alone. - 09/11/2009 02:22:44 PM 416 Views
*NM* - 09/11/2009 02:34:37 PM 235 Views
<3 - 10/11/2009 02:26:04 AM 520 Views
It is nice of him, isn't it? *NM* - 10/11/2009 02:57:00 AM 249 Views
Exceptionally so. - 10/11/2009 03:00:43 AM 439 Views
Get a buzz going before you go there? - 09/11/2009 02:25:30 PM 347 Views
Yes, it's allowed. - 09/11/2009 02:43:18 PM 567 Views
This is why I love the USA - 09/11/2009 03:28:52 PM 400 Views
Don't get a buzz going before you go there! - 09/11/2009 03:08:26 PM 451 Views
Dude, she's 21! - 09/11/2009 03:14:44 PM 370 Views
I know! - 09/11/2009 03:18:52 PM 455 Views
That's what I'm depending on other people doing. - 11/11/2009 12:09:42 AM 332 Views
Absolutely go to a bar by yoursefl. - 09/11/2009 03:16:38 PM 362 Views
Well I can't give any advice on gay bars - 09/11/2009 04:12:26 PM 432 Views
go at happy hour - 09/11/2009 04:16:25 PM 530 Views
Funniest title ever. - 09/11/2009 04:54:46 PM 451 Views
It's perfectly fine and normal - 09/11/2009 10:12:23 PM 452 Views
Hah! Glad I could be of service - 10/11/2009 05:24:34 AM 366 Views
The main thing is relax - 10/11/2009 05:40:28 PM 526 Views

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