S/O: Who does Meetups?

[hobs209]

Hmm I thought I already posted this, but I guess I clicked the wrong button.

Anyway, a couple of the threads below encouraged me to check out Meetup and I signed up for two groups. One is for young women in my area, the other is for hiking. So I'm just wondering who all has done one and what I should expect. Is there anything I should be aware of or any standard etiquette when going to an event? I'll almost definitely be going by myself because my friends have no interest in these things (hence trying to find new ones!).

[missbetty1]

With the meet ups I've joined I noticed the organizer will post their cell # just in case you don't see them when you get there. When I met up with the sports group the other day the organizer noticed me before I noticed him so he immediately came up to me and introduced himself. Another scenario is that you could get there and you see the group almost immediately. I try to remember a few faces of the people that RSVP'd yes....I just signed up for another one tomorrow too so I'll be going to two this weekend by myself...I'm trying not to think too hard about about it or I'll scare myself out of going lol

Just rememeber to smile, look people in the eye and ask them about themselves...and you'll be fine...Good Luck!

[jade28]

Oh yay I am glad you are doing this! I LOVE meetup.com and have only had good experiences with it. I have made lots of great friends through it. Some tips:

Sometimes it can be hard to find the group if it's a social outing and crowded so just make sure you feel comfortable asking, "are you here for the meetup?" Usually though the group leader will be on the lookout for new attendees and/or share what he/she is wearing.

Also, a warning about the hiking groups. I don't know how yours will be, but here, the hikes are pretty intense and fast-paced. Sometimes people show up not prepared for real hiking (e.g. wrong clothing, wrong shoes or they bring a little puppy). Read hike descriptions carefully.

I can't think of any etiquette rules other than always RSVP - don't just show up! If you don't end up going to an event, change your RSVP to no so the leaders know not to wait for you.

Otherwise, have fun! Everyone is always so nice and friendly. I have had the best times with meetups. I'm excited for you

[bullygirl979]

I have done multiple meet-ups on my own. Just be prepared for whatever the activity is. And have fun! Some were really great and some were so-so. But don't give up if your first one isn't a blast. Report back!

[Bernadine]

You guys have inspired me- I think I'm going to look for a book club tonight.

[missbetty1]

I second what Jade said about RSVPing if you click "yes" show up! If you decide not to go change your RSVP to "no" some meetups will kick you out if you RSVP yes and then no-show....

[hobs209]

Thanks guys! I'm excited. I cah be pretty quiet and introverted so I'm hoping it'll help bring me out of my shell a little. Jade, the group I'm looking at has hikes for all levels and they're arranged by distance and intensity. I was really worried about getting in to something too intense.

[hobs209]

All these glowing reviews have me so excited! I'm almost sad I'm going to Vegas on Sunday because I won't get to go on a hike for probably at least a week. Then I think of spending my days drinking at the pool and I'm not as sad.