I (29 M) have no problems going out solo to events, and I’ve actually come to enjoy it. Sometimes, though, I’d like to be in the company of others, but I end up going alone because my friends are either uninterested or unavailable. Examples where I have managed alone have been bar trivia, Nats games, comedy clubs, and concerts, but it’s not like I could go to, say, the Board Room alone, even if I’m in a mood to play a game but lack the requisite company.

Even if I could manage to do any one of these activities alone, when or where would you say you would or wouldn’t feel comfortable with an otherwise lonely stranger asking if they can join your trivia team, board game crew, sports bar table, etc.?

I’m not always great at reading the room - blame neurodivergence for that, I suppose - so even though I’m okay at socializing and meeting people, I sometimes have trouble breaking through into a group setting without doing so way too forcefully. Appreciate any tips you can provide. :)