Continuation

Last time I went for my goal I was drunk and didn't actually complete it again, so I decided to do it again.  I realized that, although it's fine as "practice", I'd rather not complete my goals drunk.  Also, I want to try them on my own, and/or on the street as well.

So I went to an international party by myself.  I'm not a big fan of those, but they are great places to practice stuff and warm up for the rest of the night.  Plus, thanks to connections, I usually get into them for free.  So I had one drink, not nearly enough for me to even get tipsy, and went to work.  I didn't say "Hi!  What's your name?" to everyone, but pretty close.  Although it seems obvious objectively, it isn't until you really experience how friendly and welcome most people are that you start to realize just how much we inhibit OURSELVES, rather than are inhibited (by society or whatever bullshit).  Once you warm up, it becomes very natural and enjoyable to be sociable, even if you are an introvert like me.

Last weekend I was going through something tough so, even though I went out, I didn't complete any assignments.  No matter, I have plans to do so next weekend.

I'm going to greet and ask the name of everyone in whatever venue I wind up in next time.  That will be the very first thing I do.  I may even start with the most "difficult" people first (whoever looks weirdest or most intimidating).  If I don't go to any particular venue, I'll just walk up to some girls on the street and ask them.  I'm not sure how many or how long I'll do it, I'll probably gauge it in the moment.

In addition I have a "party" game I wanna try.  If I get a chance, I'll post about it next time.

Wedding weekend

Went to my first bonafide full-on wedding last Saturday.  Prior to that I attended a former student's wedding after party, but this time I was there for the whole shebang.  It was two hours of a lot of sermonizing (both literally and figuratively), a lot of trite and contrived well-wishings and enskying to God and love and all that.  I think it's great to praise and honor love, but next time do it with a little more heart and a little less head.

Anyway, after that was the more pleasant (albeit expensive) reception.

My goal this weekend was just to say "Hi, what's your name?" to everyone.  I got off to a very tenative start at the dinner.  I was exhausted and very much in my head, and mostly stuck to chatting with people I had met at the wedding or on the bus ride over to dinner.  But after a bit of assistance from the free wine, champagne and beer, I was off and running up to and at the after party.  I didn't quite say hi to everyone, and I was a bit intoxicated (though considerably less than the time before), but I must have approached at least 75% of the people, and I tried it a little differently than I had expected to.  See, I've been watching a bunch of the short (generally less than 10 minute) RSD videos on you tube, and I decided to give their way a try: I was very direct and assertive.  Rather than "Hi... what's YOUR name?" my approach was "HEY! What's your name?"  The responses were interesting.  It was very attention grabbing.

Regardless, I'm going to try this again, preferably with EVERYONE in the venue AND more sober.  Should be fun.

I'm going to keep this one brief since I'm off to work in about five minutes.