« The Schedule– Declassified | Home | Pop Culture 1.0 »
Last Friday Night: Or How Embracing My Nerdy Side Paid Off
By Karen | October 11, 2011
This weekend, my Friday night was spent playing Apples to Apples and Catchphrase into the wee hours of the morning; talking about interests, experiences, and hopes for the Browns this season; and even ordering a round of insomnia cookies. I sat in the lounge located in my dorm’s lobby talking with a group of about six or seven until I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer. This all seems like a pretty normal lazy night right? The phenomenal thing about this experience was that I had just met these people hours before.
I was initially reluctant about attending game night, an event organized for people living on my floor. Of all the ways to spend a Friday night during my first month in college, this one seemed like it had the highest potential to be lame. I assumed it would be a few quick hours of forced conversation and Uno playing, ending awkwardly early and leaving me alone for the rest of the night. However my ultimate love for all things board games and my desire to meet my neighbors sent me down to the lobby that night.
The first few hours were a little strained as far as conversation goes. People were coming in and out, stopping by for some popcorn before they went out for the night, or sometimes leaving to go play ping pong down the hall. But after a while only a small group was left.
We played Catchphrase for hours, but eventually ran out of steam. But somehow, no one wanted to leave. Our game playing with strangers quickly segued into hours spent talking like we were old friends. We were enjoying each other’s company. The comfort I felt was reminiscent of what I had with my high school friends a few weeks ago. This ease I felt with a group of formerly unfamiliar people was remarkable to me.
I was a bit jealous of my roommates that night when they went out and I resigned myself to game night. However when I shared my stories of new friends, it was their turn to be jealous. Two days later as I walked down my hall I heard a voice call my name, one of the girls I had played Catchphrase with that night saying hello. I now feel slightly more at home on my floor, knowing I have friends outside of my suite.
Never again will I be reluctant to attend a “lame” event such as this. I’ve learned that not all friendships begin with awkward social interactions. Sometimes things just click. And when this magic occurs, you’re in a for a good Friday night.
Credits:
The first part of my title is a song by Katy Perry.
Topics: Personal, Personal Events, Relaxation, Student Life | Comments Off
Comments are closed.