Tips on Going to Bars Alone
Sometimes a night out on the town by yourself can be just what you need. If your looking to unwind and meet new people, going to a bar alone can be a fun experience, as long as it's done safely and with an open mind.
Dress Up
Dress your best. The first key is in putting your best face forward in order to seem approachable and nice. Stick with a nice pair of pants and clean buttoned-down shirt, or a simple black dress paired with cute shoes or a bright sweater to give it a burst of color.
Pick A Good Bar
See if any bars around you offer singles nights, which can be a great way to meet others who are out on the bar scene alone. Or pick a bar that you know won't be too loud and crowded, as that can be intimidating as well as a difficult environment in which to meet people.
Smile
Flash a friendly smile. If you see someone who seems approachable, flash them a smile to show that you too are approachable, or maybe go up to them and make a lighthearted remark about the weather or how your enjoying being out and taking a load off.
Set a Limit
Set a drink maximum. Limit yourself to two or three drinks; it's okay to get a little relaxed, but you don't want to get drunk and end up making a fool of yourself or ending up doing something dangerous like going home with a stranger. While it's fun to meet new people at bars, if you'd like to follow up, set up a date or meet for coffee the next day.
Keep An Eye On Drinks
Drink only what you purchase or see made. Never accept a drink you haven't seen prepared yourself, as a drink from a stranger could have dangerous consequences. If a stranger brings you a drink, simply explain you just ordered one or be honest and say you don't feel comfortable accepting it. Also, to avoid having something harmful put in your drink, always keep an eye on it, and place your hand over the top of it when you aren't drinking.
Sit at the Bar
Start out sitting at the bar, as opposed to a table around the bar. Sitting at the bar will give you more opportunity to meet people coming in and out, and if all else fails, maybe you can strike up some conversation with one of the bartenders until you meet someone you are interested in talking too.
Safe Transportation
Never drive home after drinking. Some people make the mistake of thinking they are fine to drive or just "buzzed," but driving after drinking is never a safe option. If you are going out to a bar alone, make sure you have safe means of getting home such as calling a taxi or asking a friend to pick you up.
Bring Something
Bring a book or cell phone to fiddle with at the bar. This way if things are slow, you can dive into some reading, text a friend or simply make it look like you are waiting for someone.
Tags: meet people, after drinking, Bars Alone, going alone, Going Bars, Going Bars Alone