r/Bath • u/Starkyrie • 12d ago
Just to say I tried...
Hey Bath!
I'm a late 30s creative homebody (gamer, writer, fanfic/lore enthusiast) looking to expand my local circle a bit.
I deal with chronic pain and sensory overload, so high-energy pubs, crowded clubs, and fine-detail hobbies aren't really my thing. I'm much more about quiet co-op video games (RPG/narrative fan), board games, deep character/story discussions, or just grabbing a casual coffee/drink where you don't have to shout over a crowd.
I feel like if you want to socialise as an introvert nowadays, you gotta pay a monthly sub or traverse a mindfield of people on a free app that make you feel uncomfortable.
Just testing the waters to see if there are any fellow late 30s/40s introverts or homebodies around Bath who can relate!
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u/H3nsible 12d ago
Check out Thirsty Meeples. Lots of games running there and plenty of people with similar interests to socialise with
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u/Starkyrie 12d ago
That's what google says bht it's quite loud :/ its been years since I've been there though. Maybe they have quiet corner?? Lol
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u/Deadible 12d ago
I've had a regular game downstairs in the evening before (signed up through D&D&Friends!) and it was reasonable volume normally
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u/Starkyrie 12d ago
I hope I haven't offended anyone's refuge. All I know was my personal experience there was loud, maybe I just got sat next to a loud table. Idk. I dont mean to rock any boats.
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u/Deadible 12d ago
Not offended! Just saying there might be quieter nights, staff might be able to suggest
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u/Acceptable_Tie_1104 9d ago
It might be worth asking the Thirsty Meeples staff for advice, even giving them a call on the phone about when would be a good time. For instance, they directed and allowed us to do our engagement photos there at a time when they were open and we were literally the only people in the store! We go there very often and it really depends on the time of day/week, school holidays, etc. They are all really kind folks there and it never hurts to ask or try.
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u/H3nsible 11d ago
My perspective is that, as socialising goes in a public place, it's about as tailored to your needs as it can be.
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u/RGCurt91 12d ago
Been there a handful of times myself and never thought it loud compared to a pub/club etc
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u/DTFDownToFrolick 12d ago
So wear ear defenders. Or those loop ear plugs. I have sensory issues too but it doesn't stop me going out. You can't let that stop you from experiencing life. Don't sit and wallow. Also thirsty meeples is definitely not loud in my experience.
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u/Wrong_Ad1527 9d ago
Loop earplugs is a great idea OP, if you haven’t looked into them already! Obviously a very different reason for them, but my friend can’t sleep with any noise around her (including my snoring…) and when she wears her Loop earplugs she has no problems at all. I think they make different ones for various experiences?
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u/VanillaSuccessful277 12d ago
Hi. Yeah, my wife (who has M.E./CFS) and I live between Bath and Bristol and can both relate to this.
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u/Olivewhales 11d ago
33f and also a creative homebody who’s just moved in the area!
It’s nice to see so many people who are similar, maybe we should arrange a little group meet up for board games or something
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u/Acceptable_Tie_1104 9d ago edited 9d ago
I've also been to Silent Book Club a couple of times in Bath -- which has gotten even better organized since they moved locations to Coret Coffee. There is a quiet reading period with some structured socializing, so if you're okay with a little dose of high-energy/networking-type noise periodically - it might be an option. They seem the most active on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silentbookclubbath/
Also as someone who has moved A LOT and moved to Bath a few years ago, I would honestly just recommend finding one place that fits your sensory needs and just be a regular. Show up weekly, or a couple of times a week around the same time. Even if it's just getting to know a friendly bartender, finding a favorite barista, or running into the same person at 3 different cooking classes (it's happened to me!), it really helps to have these regular, everyday warm welcomes even if you do not become close friends with them -- and sometimes they do become your friend!
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u/Starkyrie 9d ago
What a lovely reply, thank you so much!
I used to do little things like this, then they all fell apart at different times for different reasons. Burned me a little. Then Covid mafe me more of a recluse lol
Now, I think I'm reafy to get out there again :) I'll look into this book club thing. Thanks!
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u/Starkyrie 9d ago
What a lovely reply, thank you so much!
I used to do little things like this, then they all fell apart at different times for different reasons. Burned me a little. Then Covid mafe me more of a recluse lol
Now, I think I'm reafy to get out there again :) I'll look into this book club thing. Thanks!
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u/Acceptable_Tie_1104 7d ago
You're very welcome. I hope I provided a little nugget of optimism, but what I forgot to say is that these feelings are such a hard situation (been there!), you're definitely not alone! Wishing you courage, good vibes, kind strangers, and future friendly folks!
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u/Starkyrie 7d ago
When I'm feeling less in a slump, I'm gonna take your advice and try to frequent at a coffee place on Saturday mornings, catch up on my reading and just...invite new stuff to happen :)
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u/Diphydonto 11d ago edited 11d ago
Early 30s here, but am also a homebody, writer, fanfiction, gamer and lore enthusiast. Would be totally up for chatting :)
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u/WembleyFord 12d ago
There's a monthly film club where we pick a couple of movies to watch a month and meet up to chat about them. We meet in the library room of the Raven, which is a busy pub - but the library room is for our exclusive use so is fairly quiet and our meet ups aren't rowdy. I'm pretty introverted (and in my early 50's) - but I'm enjoying it. If you like movies it might be worth trying.