"Last call" couldn't come fast enough.

I remember I'd try to find new and creative ways to waste time so the night would be over before I knew it.

"Let me just stand at the bar for 25 minutes for a glass of water (since I don't drink) makes total sense."

Ok cool, what time is it?

Damn still 3 hours to go.

Well, I guess it's time to go to the bathroom.

20 minutes later

Now what?

Let me just check my emails...

at midnight.

that's what I should do.

Refresh - No new emails.

Alright maybe I'll go back and join my group's awkward dance circle.

Woohoo.

Everyone is a few drinks in, having the time of their lives, partying to music I don't really love, and let's be real, I'm a terrible dancer.

How are they having this much fun?

Am I weird for not enjoying this?

Should I start drinking?

Why am I here again?

I'd go home with my shoes covered in spilled vodka cranberry, ringing in my ears, pain in my lower back from awkward bobbing to the music, and know that my sleep was going to be out of whack for the next day or 2. Maybe I was just getting too old for this shit.

I never understood why I'd force myself to go to these places. Maybe it was the fear of missing out or maybe I didn't want to be the 'weird guy who doesn't enjoy clubs'. But sure enough biweekly I was there again.

I honestly started dreading when the weekend was approaching.

This continued for years, and each night was practically identical.

It really just hit me one day that, there are other places to meet women.

Mind blowing I know.

From networking events, to just being at a grocery store getting food for the week and seeing someone who sparked my interest, to online dating, even social meet ups in my city.

These were places where I could actually hear myself think, I could start a conversation that wasn't automatically followed with "WHAT!? I can't hear you.." and I could connect with people better because I was just having more fun. (if this is something you struggle with feel free to message me and I'll give you some pointers on how to make the most of these places)

I started finally enjoying meeting new people and it no longer felt like hard work.

Don't get me wrong, if you enjoy bars and nightclubs, keep going, it just wasn't for me after 25.

The moral of the story, don't feel forced to go to places you don't enjoy to meet women. It's counterintuitive, you'll stick out like a sore thumb and the vibe you'll give off won't be a fun one.