Okay, so, I’ve been trying to be more social lately, you know? Get out of my shell a bit. And what better way than combining it with something I already enjoy – Pokémon Go! I figured, “Hey, I’m walking around anyway, might as well see if I can meet some new people.”
Operation: Make Friends (While Catching ‘Em All)
My master plan (which sounds way more intense than it actually was) started simple. I just started playing more often, and in more public places. Parks, downtown areas, you know, the usual hotspots.
- Step 1: Look less like a hermit. I actually put on a decent shirt, not just my usual邋遢 t-shirt. Small steps!
- Step 2: Be more obvious. I used to try to be all stealthy, hiding my phone like I was doing something illegal. Now, I hold it up, making it clear I’m playing.
- Step 3: Raid time! This was the big one. Raids are where you pretty much have to interact with other players.
My first few attempts were… awkward. I’d see other people playing, but I’d just kind of… hover. It felt like high school all over again! But then, I saw a group gathering for a raid. I took a deep breath and just walked up.
“Hey, are you guys doing this raid?” I asked, trying to sound casual (and probably failing miserably).
They were super friendly! Turns out, most Pokémon Go players are pretty chill. We chatted about the raid boss, what Pokémon we were using, and just… stuff. It wasn’t deep, philosophical conversation, but it was something.
We took down the raid boss (score!), and then… we kept talking! We exchanged trainer codes, added each other, and even made plans to meet up for future raids.
The Aftermath (and Future Raids)
It’s been a few weeks, and I’ve actually made a few new friends. We have a group chat where we coordinate raids and share tips. It’s not like we’re best buddies now, hanging out every weekend, but it’s a start. And it’s definitely made playing Pokémon Go a lot more fun.
I’m still working on being more outgoing, but this has definitely been a good experience. I’ve learned that sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of effort (and a shared love of catching virtual monsters) to break the ice.
So, if you’re looking to meet new people, and you’re already a Pokémon Go player, give it a shot! You might be surprised at how easy it is to connect with others who share your hobby. Just remember to wear a decent shirt. Trust me on that one.
