Don’t get me wrong, I still have conversations with my wall, pillow, myself, and other objects around my apartment — but I did something these past couple of weeks, and that was put myself in a situation to communicate with other humans (besides work). Now most of you will probably find this funny, and I do too! because you would think after living in this new city for a year now, I would have found new friends and a social group but NOPE, I failed to really put myself out there in fear of judgement, and so my house was my comfort zone and when I would leave the house, it was to people watch or explore someplace that didn’t seem too busy at the time. After awhile, I started to think that if I want to make the most of living here, I need to start taking a step outside my comfort zone and meet people & even if it doesn’t land in success, it might help build my social skills and allow me to network and grow my confidence living here.
I had downloaded an app (which I had signed up years previous but never actually utilized) and decided I’d use to find things that interest me that others are interested in as well. My first event I signed up for was a board games night at someone’s house & while it sounds crazy to make my first appearance meeting people at a person’s home that I do not know, it was a lady’s event and I went with my gut. Thankfully the app gives you the names of the people who all plan on attending & pictures of the person, so I was able to use that to my benefit if need be. Turns out, even though I started off as a social mess at this meet and greet with board games, I ended up staying longer than I intended because I was having so much fun talking to people. This past weekend I had used the app again to attend a meet up with the same group of ladies & new faces for a bowling outing & it went over very well. Busy establishment, but I had the chance to meet some new people, and see some familiar faces from the board games night — all went over well & I got invited out after bowling to hang out at a local spot downtown & I stayed out way past my bedtime BUT my only regret is I didn’t do this sooner.
Would I call these ladies friends? not quite yet, as I am very slow to put titles on things because I like basing my friendships on much more than a hello and a few drinks or a game, however, I could definitely see this growing into a possible friendship– but if for whatever reason, it doesn’t, that is okay too! no pressure either way. I don’t have plans this weekend, but I was thinking about creating a meet up within the group to see if anyone would be interested in attending the Arnold classic with me this year. I have been debating on whether I’d like to go this year, because I have gone previous years prior to Covid and enjoyed it, but now that I live in Columbus, I think it would be a whole new experience (and saves me money on hotels). We shall see, it will be this coming weekend — so I shall let everyone know how this pans out if I do decide to create the event or go it alone or not at all. Mystery.
Happy Saturday!
Shay-lon Moss
Be the best version of you 