<p>I'm usually a very introverted person who would rather spend a weekend hanging out with some close friends, surfing the net by myself, or reading up for class. So obviously it gets a little unsettling when the rest of my dorm hall floor are the types who party every weekend and like to have loud conversations close to the time when I want to go to sleep. I don't exactly hate them, but I'm not sure exactly what to do when one of my floormates comes up to me, asking when am I going to get out of my room and party/hang out with them. I kinda told them that maybe (keyword: MAYBE) I'd go out and try it one of these days with them, since I'm not exactly opposed to trying partying at least once, but I just felt a little uneasy at the thought of going to party with them of all people. Plus, I always feel like I'd rather spend my Friday and Saturday nights doing something else like trying to get ahead and hone my skills. Anyone got any advice on what to do or what to say?</p>
<p>You should never let someone pressure you into doing something you don’t want to do. That said, there are ways to “hang out or party” without doing things that make you feel uncomfortable. Its great to go out and get to know people; however, if they are doing illegal activities or activities that don’t interest you, find a different group. My first semester of college I felt really pressured to drink to fit in. In hindsight, I wish I would have realized that I had my own choice and that doing things that I didn’t want to do was stupid. </p>
<p>I started hanging out with friends that “partied” by playing call of duty, karaoke or having pot luck dinners. There was no alcohol involved and we still had lots of fun times. Try hanging out with some new people. You never know whats its like until you try. Also, if you want to hang out with your floormates without partying, you could always socialize with them by eating lunch or dinner together. Try joining a club that interests you or volunteering. Its a great way to meet people while still doing something productive as well. Hope this helps!</p>
<p>yeah, here’s a solution:</p>
<p>don’t party. Not that big of a deal, son.</p>
<p>You are probably not the only person in your dorm or even on your hall that feels the same way about the loud partyers. Those kids making all the noise are just the ones that you notice simply because they are making such a ruckus. Keep that in mind when you feel like the only one that isn’t involved.</p>
<p>You should also consider the fact that maybe some of the people that are trying to get you to go hang out are just trying to be nice. It is a good idea to have some down time and get social with people. Make sure that you are not using the excuse of getting ahead and doing extra studying as a reason to hibernate alone.</p>
<p>Try to find some of the other quiet people in your hall that are suffering through the noise and drunkenness as well. It might make you feel less like the “only” person that isn’t involved. Also get a nice soft pair of earplugs. That will help a lot with the noise that always seems to start at bedtime</p>
<p>What i did in your age was “give in” And as a result i became more extroverted</p>
<p>I’ve been in similar situations. If it’s not something you want to do, then politely say no! There’s no need to waste your own time trying to please others just because you might be concerned about how they’ll feel about you. Trust me, they could probably care less whether or not you actually party, they’re just trying to be nice; even if they did care, you’re an adult now and free to spend your time as you please.</p>
<p>If you try it out for awhile and don’t like it, then just leave. No sense forcing yourself into something you don’t enjoy. You might be pressured but it is your choice.</p>
<p>If you’re at all interested in going, I’d say go. Going out once will not hurt you, nor will it make you a “partier” or someone who has to go out all the time. You can also leave anytime you want. I think it’s an experience everyone should have if they haven’t already…you don’t even have to drink, it’s just good to go out and be social if you don’t usually do that. I think going out has made me much more social and confident and I really like that about myself now. However, I am sure those people are not all that obsessed with you needing to party, they probably just want to be friendly and invite you to hang out with them. If you say no they will probably not be weird about it, although they may not invite you again (which should in theory be fine with you).</p>
<p>Don’t be pressured into going out. I was in your situation my freshman year, but then Halloween came along and I decided to go out with some friends one night after work. It took me a little while to get used to “conventional” party protocol, but now I go out just about every weekend. It also helps that I don’t drink either. My point is, though, that it’s up to you to decide when the time is right to go out (if you ever decide to).</p>