At 16 years old I was almost positive at 26 I would have this rock star social life. As I sat in my room on Saturday nights listening to Evanescence and Gavin DeGraw, I dreamt of the days when I would sip & nosh at happy hour and spend every weekend hanging out with awesome friends. Well imagine my surprise when things didn’t quite turn out that way. Since then I’ve probably been to a happy hour 3 times in my life and at least 1 of those was at Sonic. I go out with friends on average 1-2 times a month, and that’s a MAJOR increase from last year.
Tonight I realized there are approximately 10 factors that are hindering my social life from flourishing.
- I don’t have anything to wear.
- All of my old favorite spots are ridden with annoying college kids
- TLC’s Bride Day ( Until they cancel Say Yes to the Dress my Friday nights are booked)
- I can get a whole bottle of wine for the cost of one glass at a bar (or a few bottles of 2 Buck Chuck. Thank You Trader Joe’s!)
- Crowds make me sweat… and a lady NEVER sweats
- Dance clubs require dancing and I have 2 left feet
- Dirty Old Men
- Most of my friends live in different cities ( #IWentToCollegeOutOfStateProblems)
- My bed time is significantly earlier now
- Parking, Parking Parking
{ ETA: 11. I’m BROKE!!– Thanks to Janelle at Ears Like a Hawke for reminding me }
Proof I used to have a social life
I know I need to do better. I’m afraid I’m going to end up an old boring cat lady… and I don’t even like cats. Why didn’t anyone tell me maintaining a social life in my mid 20’s would be so hard?
Friends I need your help! Do any of you have similar issues? What are you doing to maintain an active social life?
The Floundering 
I am constantly aware of how sad my social life – or lack there of – really is. I live in NYC, where it seems like everyone else goes out all of the time, yet I spend at least 90% of my evenings/weekends at home. My major reason is money, but as I look at your list, I definitely see every single point also applies. I feel like Social Media at least keeps people somewhat more in touch, but it also kills the necessity of going out to socialize as well. Sigh. 20-something dilemmas and catch-22’s
I can’t believe I forgot the money factor. Thanks Janelle! I agree social media is a catch-22. I can easily connect with my out of town friends therefore I don’t feel the need to visit them to see what’s going on in their lives.