why you should go to parties alone ▲

the first time i went to a party alone, i sat outside in my car for about 20 minutes deciding if i should go in.

fact: i even called a friend to help encourage me to be brave.

and we're talking ALONE,

i.e. i heard about the party from a friend who wouldn't be there and i truly didn't know anyone there.

my face felt like this:

but then i walked into that party.

and i learned something important.

it turns out,

going to a party alone is the best way to meet people.

when you're by yourself,

people feel more compelled to talk to you.

when people aren't intimidated by your group of friends,

you're 100% more approachable.

in the case of my first alone party,

the host of the shindig took me under his wing and walked me around the whole night, introducing me to everyone.

fact: that wouldn't have happened if i came glued to a wingman.

since that experience,

i've grown to love going to parties alone.

sure, the first few minutes can be awkward.

and it can be really uncomfortable to stand alone,

where people can see you,

and resist the urge to slink into a corner and hide.

but my challenge to all you party goers?

try it alone.

arrive alone,

stand alone,

look people in the eye,

and smile at strangers.

i feel pretty hooverdam confident that you'll meet more people that way than you ever would by going to a party surrounded by friends you already know.

but remember,

you gotta own it.

please report on your endeavors...

dancing with myself,

katilda