This is actually something that drives me crazy. These people are wherever you go, and they are very unwelcoming to newcomers. In meetup groups, in the SCA, in any group you go to, there are always these people, and I hates them. They drive away more new people than anyone else!
Me too. It’s like they show up for the free food and drinks. If they’re going to stick to themselves why else be there?
If there is even one smoker at a party, eventually he or she will become the Pied Piper of Smoking as all of the “only when I’m drinking” smokers gather outside to bum cigarettes. And 9 times out of 10 that is where the most interesting and lively conversations occur.
I have noticed this. It’s interesting how many “I only smoke when I drink” people there are out there who never smoke other wise.
Well, dem 'uns goes dis way and does 'uns goes dat way. Mostly dat’s how it works 'round here.
I notice that quite often partners will go their own way but the groups themselves are a mix of same sex and both sexes. I prefer to find a group that is not talking politics or religion or travel or career, or children, or sports or cars or gaming etc. I like to hear about ideas, plans, philosophical things, I like pets, nature, cooking, crafts etc. I usually find this more with the females. My girl friend is good with currrent events, music and entertainment and loves to flirt. As long as their are men around she is happy.
Wikipedia article on German-style boardgames.
Depending on the game, these can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours (the latter is not typically played at parties).