When hitting the town, having trusted friends is a key component of having a killer night. Going out is a social activity, and is bet done when not alone. Really, who wants to be the lone guy in the place, staring into his beer? Now, this isn't to say that you shouldn't ever go out by yourself. Not at all. Very few people do, unless they are out of town on a business trip. Here are a few things that a crew provides you with.
[B]Social proof[/B]
Introduced into the public consciousness mainly by Robert Cialdini's book Influence, social proof deals with the “others are doing it, so it must be OK” line of thought. It's also termed the “bandwagon effect.”
A cool group of friends lets others in the place know that you have friends, and they are decent individuals. People tend to gravitate to those most like themselves, so your group says a lot about you.
It also says that at least a few people found you worth hanging out with.
Remember, people tend to follow trends, and have pack instincts. Belonging is a HUGE factor in psychology. If your a person that belongs with an elite group, that communicates value to prospective mates, or rivals. Women have much more finely tuned social radars then do men, as well as “flocking” instincts. Men are much more likely to go it on their own, or break with the pack. Women will rarely do this. Social proof is a great way to help to win over a girl's friends, and let them “allow” you to separate her from the pack.
[B]Help with obstacles[/B]
The best wingman for men is a woman. Remember that always. A woman can communicate and help you out in ways that your buddies can't. In fact, there is a business called Wingwomen, that charges for such a service! Likewise, for a woman out on the town, the best wing is a man. This is also key, as women rarely approach directly. Sure, they may bump into you, or put themselves in close proximity to you, but seldom do they open the conversation. A guy friend, can introduce you to that guy you have your eye on over at the pool table, no problem.
A good wing, of either gender, can help to win over friends, and keep the non-interested parties at bay, so you have time to make a connection. Girls are much more prone to “blocking” than men are, but guys aren't immune to it either. Usually, we just let a guy have at it, then bust on him forever for his bad choice. Girls tend to prevent the situation entirely.
[B][U]Things to avoid in your entourage[/U][/B]
[B]1. Pessimists need not apply.[/B]
Few things are worse than hitting the town with Negative Ned or Nancy. They always complain about venues, drink prices, when to get there, when to leave, other people in the place, and the music. You name it, and they will find a way to whine and complain about it. Before long, you start contemplating hitting them over the head with a bottle of champagne to shut them up and end the misery, or sneaking away, and pretend you got separated. Your better off going alone than with this person.
[B]2. Avoid the Know It All[/B]
In every group, they tends to be a person who wants to be seen as all wise, and boss everyone around, and can't stand when they can't get their way. They want it their way, and they want it NOW. They always act like their suggestion for venue, time to arrive, are the only way to go. I mean, you MUST be an idiot to disagree with them. Again, avoid this person at all costs.
[B]3. Leave the Rehab Clinic candidates at home.[/B]
In many groups, there is a person who doesn't know when to say enough. Often the group will have to look after this person, as they drink way too much, and have the group's night ruined. Even better, this person thinks their OK to drive, even when they are WAYYYY to far gone. This leaves someone in the group, to play parent, lest the police do it for them.
[B]4. No c**k blockers.[/B]
This goes more towards the ladies reading this, than the men. Some women are just unhappy, or insecure, and will blow up their friend's chances, just to make themselves feel more powerful, or better about themselves. This is a destructive behavior in the long run. This is different from truly protecting your friends from making a regrettable choice.
[B]5. No angry drunks.[/B]
This one is for the guys! Everyone knows THAT guy, who turns the Mr. Hyde corner after a few cold ones. He may be a normal guy when sober, or an all around douche anyways. Leave this dude at home. If he gets in a fight, it's an obligation as a friend to back him up if his mouth runs wild. Friendship does only go so far. So unless your ok with the prospect of sitting in a cell overnight for this guy, lose his number for nights on the town.
[B]Are there any other type of people you should avoid? Leave a comment with your thoughts!
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