1. What types of places is it appropriate to approach people?
2. How is it appropriate to do so?
I'm attending a tech school in a fairly small town with "nothing to do" according to the locals. Of the locally available options, I have discovered:
1. The anime club. One of my interests, but aside from one or two dedicated fans ranting about their favorite shows, no one really talks there, and it's basically silent once the videos start.
2. The bar. I've gone there three times. The first was rather successful because it was a quiet night and I actually managed to hook up with a group. The other times were busy nights, and I simply couldn't stand the noise, so I left. But even though the first was successful, I doubt I'll go again because of the money issue (about a 300% markup from what the stuff costs in the store), and I don't want to end up an alcoholic like my brother.
3. A weekly swing dance. I'm really bad at dancing, and the atmosphere is too overwhelming.
4. A weekly Christian Fellowship meeting. This also has a 2nd (much smaller) meeting. I have had the most consistent success at this place. I am unsure, but I think that a few people there now consider me a friend; however I don't really have any contact with them outside of the meetings. The biggest problem here is that I simply cannot bring myself to believe in their religion. I go through the motions, but I can't help but feel very "fake" at this one.
5. My classes, though because I am a grad student, there really isn't much of an opportunity for socialization during them, and everyone is quite busy in general.
I do not do well at all in social situations (I'm even awkward around those who I consider friends, even the ones who I suspect also have aspergers), however simply finding social situations is even more frustrating. Aside from my classes and #4, I have given up going to the places on the list, for the stated reasons.
What do you suggest?
21 Apr 2006, 7:05 pm
