Meet-ups: Etiquette?

[ACDCDCAC]

OK, so the Seattle meetup is in a few days and it's got me wondering.. I've never gone out with a random bunch of people that have no connection in "real" life yet (except for Christa and Kate who met previously, the rest of us are not "real" friends, YET!)

 

Obviously we're not gonna sit around and chat in BDW code, altho I can see it now Lot's of funny STD and OOT Bag conversations with people at the other table craning their necks to figure out WTF we're talking about (And with J-M, the resident class clown, I'm sure we'll have some fun stories to share ) HAHA!

 

For those of you who have done meetups before (doesn't have to be BDW), give the rest of us the inside scoop! What were you expecting? What did you chat about? Did everyone match up to their "online" personality? Was it awkward? Did instant friendships form? Was the conversation as free-flowing and random as it is here? Was it just non-stop wedding talk, or did you delve deeper into each others lives?

 

I'm excited for our Seattle Meet-Up, and it just made me start thinking how I wish I could have gone to some of the others so far, the pics have looked like everyone had a blast!

[Spazz]

I've gone to 2 Philly meet-ups so far. I have to admit, I was really nervous the first time, I felt like I was going on a blind date...lol! I'm sure we started talking about weddings at first, but we also talked about everything else going on in our lives too. I think we've all made some really good friends and it's so nice to finally meet the people that you talk to almost everyday online. Have a great time!

[Yari]

I had so much fun at the So Cal Meet-up. I was very nervous, especially when I was at the restaurant waiting for everyone.

 

I recognized Jamy immediately and was excited to meet her in person. Her husband and brother were extremely kind and we just started to chat. When Drea arrived, she was very easy to talk to also! The whole evening flew by and we just talked and laughed.

 

Our conversations consisted of all sorts of stuff, from weddings to BDW to our lives.

 

Don't worry to much, you will have a blast !

[Alyssa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lizz I've gone to 2 Philly meet-ups so far. I have to admit, I was really nervous the first time, I felt like I was going on a blind date...lol! I'm sure we started talking about weddings at first, but we also talked about everything else going on in our lives too. I think we've all made some really good friends and it's so nice to finally meet the people that you talk to almost everyday online. Have a great time!

i was there with Lizz at that 1st Philly meet up - it was weird at first but then everyone had a drink and chilled out - i don't think it was weird b/c it really was, i think we are all just not used to going and meeting strangers, although i don't really think most of us are real strangers, just in person strangers - did any of that make sense?

[dragonfly]

well I haven't done a large meet-up yet, but Everton and I did meet in Niagara falls with Jason and Karen, aka Super couple, and we had a really wonderful time. Both Everton and I left Karen and Jason feeling as though we made really good friends that day. I also worried that we would not have things to talk about, but our few hours together flew, our personalities clicked and we all felt really comfortable with one another. Yes Karen and Jason were exactly the way they come across on-line. I think even on-line we click with certain people, I know I have a handful of people that I could get together with from here and I know we would have a good time together, there are others I know we wouldn't click. A large group should be easier because you can focus on others if you don't really have anything to say to one person. I think so far when ever these meet-ups have happened they have been fun and a positive thing. I can't wait for the meet-up in NY this June, for one I can't wait to see Karen and Jason again, and second I really hope to meet others that I will be able to call friends. If for some reason the meet-up doesn't happen Everton and I will be making the effort this summer to still meet with Karen and Jason some where, that is how much we liked them. Have fun I wished I lived closer so I could join you guys, trust me, you will have a good time.

[Heidi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lizz I've gone to 2 Philly meet-ups so far. I have to admit, I was really nervous the first time, I felt like I was going on a blind date...lol! I'm sure we started talking about weddings at first, but we also talked about everything else going on in our lives too. I think we've all made some really good friends and it's so nice to finally meet the people that you talk to almost everyday online. Have a great time!

I feel exactly the same! Also having been to 2 meet-ups, I agree it felt like a blind date. But that lasted a VERY short time! I think everyone definitely lived up to their online personas...I think I could pick out who everyone was before we were properly introduced! You're going to have a fabulous time!!

[A10CalGal]

Hehehe Abby! Is somebody over thinking our get together?? Just kidding.

 

I will say that when Kate & I got together it did kinda feel like a blind date before I got there. Once we found eachother it was just AWESOME. I thought Kate was totally like her online persona & felt immediately comfortable. We shot the shit for a few hours until we were too cold to continue sitting outside, so we bailed.

 

So regarding the etiquette question, is it not cool to get completely wasted & ask you to drive me home? LOL!

[rodent]

I know I'd be nervous too in the same way. I think it's easier to meet strangers than other BDW members because it's like they already know so much about you but don't really know you. If I was anywhere near seattle, i'd definitly go to that meet up. I know it's going to be a blast.

 

don't forget pictures!

[Jessica]

i've never met people from the internet before. i mentioned possibly going to the philly meet up to Brian and he kind of gave me a weird look.

 

i am kind of nervous about possibly going. it's like "first day of school" scary!

 

i don't know if i'm like my "online" personality. i'm usually super quiet and shy when i first meet people. i tend to sit back and observe them. once i'm comfortable i tend to come out of my shell... and obviously knocking back a few drinks helps!

[1elephant]

ok, i have a confession.

while it was my first bdw meet, i had met people from another board ... an alanis morissette board.

stop laughing.

this girl from virginia actually came to my house and stayed with me for a week! tho it was initially awkward, it was an awesome time!

meeting the bdw girls was easier for me b/c i brought my sis (it was too far to come alone)...i didn't know how to greet everyone, so i just said hi and introduced myself. we immediately had tons to talk about, both wedding related and otherwise.

we didn't drink...though i plan to change that this time around