BeaTlesFan77

Hopefully that helps. The way things are looking right now, I don’t think there are going to be any events to attend this week. There was supposed to be one that was going to start up again tomorrow the 29th. However, they haven’t scheduled anything for my city. Then the group from last Friday hasn’t announced anything for this week. Have to keep practicing, and getting experience. Don’t want to lose momentum. Might be time to look up one of those dance classes that’s been mentioned. 🤔

I’m so sorry to hear about your dog Lost and know this is a difficult time right now. 😢

Early in the week, I always make it a point to go through different calendars to look for social events. Eventbrite, Facebook events, local city guides, and Meetup. The one from last Friday was a new Meetup group.

Agreed, this is one of the big obstacles that I’m also facing every time I go out to an event. Thankfully, the event I went to last Friday evening was a mixed bag. From what I recall, there were people there from the 20s through 50s. My experience this time was so much better than past ones. I talked to about six different women this time. Didn’t meet anyone for a future date though. One that I was attracted to didn’t reciprocate my connection request on Meetup. However, I made a new female friend who is also into video games. She lives too far away though, and doesn’t want children. Hopefully I’ll be able to find something to go to this week and get some more experience and exposure. Have to keep the momentum going.

Any recommendations for either of those? I used to watch Ghost Adventures all of the time.

Isn’t that the one with Jodie Foster? Are you interested in true crime documentaries as well?

I agree it's all a big joke nowadays with everything. Whenever I see commercials for Match or EHarmony, I just can't help but look at them with disgust. My feeling is that if I am going to be ghosted or turned down, I would rather do that stuff out and about for free instead of paying for it. Paying for it just adds insult to injury. I'm glad you are doing well and not letting this get to you.

🤣

Wow! The jam-packed and noisy alone would make me not want to go.

So it sounds like things haven't changed very much? There have always been issues present. The smartphone just amplified them.

I will take that suggestion into consideration. Thank you. 😄

I would think about finding new friends. Friends are supposed to lift you up and not make you feel bad about yourself.

This! When I'm feeling down about anything, I remind myself where I am and what I have at the moment. Somebody else has it worse.

Thanks. Yes, hindsight is always 20/20. 😆 Something similar happened at this event too. They had people dressed up going around and interacting with people. Especially with the women and asking if they were single and if so, please support my friend's new dating app coming out. They paid no mind to me standing next to them.

Hi Alex, you're not alone in this. I know what you're going through too but as a guy. Two of my long-term friends have married and have children now along with nice big homes. I'm 46 and have the feeling of being left at the train station or in the dust and it hurts. Yes I agree, it's difficult to have conversations with them when you are on two different boats or can't participate with them like you said. What I've learned is when you do get together with them, concentrate on subjects like hobbies, entertainment, etc. Be supportive, but try to steer them away from gushing. For example, one of them likes to gush about how he goes on family vacations or all the cool renovations that have been done to their home (similar to the slap slap slap slap you mentioned). I agree and say that's great, sounds like you're doing good. Then I bring up, what did you think of that game last night or the other day? Then as others have said, I go out alone all of the time and see couples around me which stings a little. Also, like you, it feels like everyone is coupled up. However, I've been told that going out alone portrays confidence. People are not going to look at you negatively for wanting to go out and enjoy life. Heck, I've even gone on vacations alone. Being at Disneyland or another theme park like that is like being a kid in a candy store. I got to go on rides as much as I wanted to without checking to see how someone else felt about it. Eat whatever you want and leave whenever you want. Finally, another term I have kept reminding myself is that 'life is a marathon and not a race' which to me goes along with 'things happen for a reason'. You are where you need to be at the moment. I hope this helps some. 😄

Visual aid from my story.

You hit the nail right on the head!

That's exactly how I felt going into the event I went to on Valentine's Day evening. I figured it was free and it felt great to be out. Not sitting on my couch at home where nothing happens. It was called 'Cupid's Carvinal' and it was held at a venue I went to before for another singles event for a different company. In addition, it was also a party to celebrate a new local dating app coming out. They also had vendors, a tarot card reader, burlesque performances, and two ladies doing contortion with curtains in the air. Regardless, it was the same crap that happened at all the other ones I have been to. It was hard to approach ladies as they were sitting with their backs toward people walking by and had their faces buried in their phones. Or they were sitting with their backs to people and talking with a group of friends and looking at their phones. Then, of course, the traditional let's play music twice the volume level it should be. I thought the company was renting out the whole venue but that wasn't the case. There were also couples there which made things a little confusing. I was interested in one lady who was doing just that. Once she was sitting in an approachable manner, she was busy stuffing her face with pizza. I walked up and did the typical "Hi, how are you?" when I should have said, "That pizza looks delicious, and which one was it." (there were a few food truck-like businesses around the courtyard where it was including pizza which everyone seemed to gravitate towards). She just responded with "I'm eating." to which I responded "I can come back later." and she nodded her head. I was never able to touch back with her again as she was always talking with another girlfriend that arrived. Nor did she seek me out which I took as disinterest. Didn't talk to anybody else. On the bright side, I got to try a new tropical-tasting alcoholic cider which I had two of. I went home not feeling upset as I went in with no expectations. Just chalked it up as another experience.

I'm sure she appreciated the time spent with her. That's how my mother and I are. We prefer time spent with each other doing things rather than gifts or possessions. She is my 76 year old Valentine and we went to Cheesecake Factory on the 13th.

What did you end up doing for Valentine’s Day? Treat yourself to anything?

Crossing everything I have that she replies back.

I was hoping things were going to work out too for you with this one. However, I agree with your thoughts about how she seems like an angry person and politics is not something that should be talked about. Better to find out now than later.

My $.02 would be to have something planned or an idea of something to do when you ask her. Don’t say would you like to go out sometime. Something to the effect of “I was thinking about checking out xxxxxxx and would you like to join me?” Good luck. You got this!

Which ones are worth listening to?