Socializing Tips for Our Events

Before the Event

1. Know your energy levels. These events can last for hours, know that it’s okay if you can’t stay for the whole length!

2. Bring a comfort item. Whether it’s a comfort food/drink, fidget toy, journal, stuffed animal, anything to help ground you.

3. Practice scripts. If small talk is tricky for you, prepare a few go-to questions or check out our Uncommon Icebreakers post!

4. Use a buddy system. We get it, walking into a room full of strangers is scary! Bring along a friend who makes you feel safe.

5. Communicate with us beforehand. Whether you have questions, need special accommodations, or just want to get to know us a little better before you come, our DMs are always open! Your comfort and safety is important.

   
   

During the Event

1. Take breaks.  Step outside, use a quiet corner, or head to a nearby bathroom if you’re feeling overwhelmed and need to take a moment to breathe.

2. Stim!  We won’t judge, do whatever makes you feel better or helps you regulate. Fidget, stretch, count the objects in a room, use breathing exercises, anything. :)

3. Use alternative communication if needed. If verbal communication becomes too hard, you can text, write, or use a speech app to stay engaged.

4. Ask for clarification if needed. We all have different forms of speaking or joking around, and sometimes we need to check the tone of the conversation! No shame in that.

5. Do an activity! If just talking alone feels too awkward, feel free to suggest doing an activity together (or engaging in parallel play) to continue socializing in a more comforting way.

   
   

After the Event

1. Decompress. These events can take a lot of energy! Take some time alone to stim, do some self care, or a calming activity.

2. Reflect, but don’t overanalyze! Don’t be too hard on yourself about how the night went, focus on the positives!

3. Send us your pics!  We’d love to post pictures after each event to showcase all our new friends and memories.

4. Stay in contact! Whether it be through Instagram or our Discord server, stay in touch with all the new friends you made.

5. Send us feedback. Evaluate what worked and what didn’t for you, what you thought of the event, if you’d like to see it happen again, anything that comes to mind!