By Tosyn Bucknor
While rappers and entertainers are quick to rap and tweet #NoNewFriends, the truth is, everyone needs to either meet new people, or at least hang out with the people they already know!
Sometimes we get stuck on social media and the ‘socialness’ it provides that we forget that seeing, touching and talking to REAL people is allowed. We are too busy ‘poking’, ‘liking’, ‘following’ and ‘blocking’. Speaking of which, we should review ten things from social media that should make it to real life. That’s next week.
For now, I have the good ol’ cliche’d things for you to do!!!
10. See a movie
I’ll start with the usual suspects.
Going to the cinema, especially at the right time (not deserted, not overcrowded), is always a great way to life your spirit and socialise. Smile (but not in a creepy way), and be polite on queues as you get your ticket and your popcorn. Then settle down to an hour and a half of ‘not-thinking-about-anything-but-what-happens-next’.
Ps, ‘2 Guns’ is a really good movie.
9. Sing or don’t sing, but karaoke you shall!
Hanging out at karaoke spots with friends is a great way to let your hair down, meet new people, and embarrass yourself. The good news is, no one remembers who sang what the next day so sing to your heart’s content!!!
For Karaoke, I like Bheer Hugz on Saturdays and Swe on Sundays.
8. Drinks anyone?
Yes please!
Now drinking every night is borderline ‘Charlie in 2 and a Half Men-ish’ so we don’t recommend that! But Friday after work? Great time to drink! Invite your colleagues or your friends, but don’t over do it. No one’s cute drunk.
7. Eat Late!
They might have taught you to eat early so you sleep well and not gain weight, but socialising is for rule-breakers!
Go to a restaurant like Prime Chinese which is open 24hours after a show and keep the party going. Everyone knows no one really socialises at these high profile concerts and award shows so some chinese afterwards helps.
6. Speaking of those shows…
As mentioned above, a concert at Eko Hotel is great for showing off your killer heels and smile on a red carpet, but for good fun and networking, smaller shows like One Mic Naija, Dear Artiste, Enigma Nite and so on are ideal.
You will meat new, cool people and enjoy some nice talent (fingers crossed) at the same time! P.s, shameless plug- One Mic Naija Welcome Edition holds on Sunday October 27th!
5. Fancy a sleepover?
My friends and I do this crazy thing where we have sleepovers. It’s crazy because in the movies, it’s kids in secondary school that have sleepovers but how else can you stuff yourself with pizza and drink too much without having to drive or embarrass yourself in public?
Rules for a sleepover
– Keep it small
– No new friends
– Play some games but don’t reveal it all!!!
Try it, it’s fun!
4. Hair! Beauty! Football! Fashion!
A day spent on twitter will reveal a million events to you. Be it a Natural Hair workshop, a seminar, a football game, a sale, a trade fair, or a mobile market, there’s usually something at the weekend you can go to.
Instead of staying cooped up indoors, go for these events. Ojo ara and Pamper me Pretty are two of my favourites.
3. Do good!
Similar to number 4 above is a cause-worthy event. The only difference is, where with 4, you were only treating yourself, here, you get outside, and you do some good!
It could be a charity walk, novelty match, orphanage visit, cleaning up or charity sale. Whatever it is, go for it!!!
2. Coffee!!!
The only reason this made it to number 2 is because I’m an addict.
So let’s get to the ‘koko’. Going out for a cup of coffee and a sandwich or slice of cake will make you happy. Caffeine and sugar have already been proven to be great mood boosters. What do you mean where’s my proof?
1. Get spiritual!
Go for a service in a new place, or join a fellowship and you’ll not only be renewed spiritually, but you’ll also make new friends.
Try it!
