How comfortable would you be in this situation?

[Longfrock]

I'm going straight from work to the football this afternoon. My office will close and kick me out, so I'll arrive much earlier than my friends who have further to travel.

I've said no worries, I'll meet them in the pub, thinking it will be full of football fans, I'll find someone to talk to.

My friends think I'm very brave. I'm really actually quite introverted, but a pub full of lively people all with something known in common, doesn't seem that daunting to me, although I'd find it difficult to strike up a conversation with strangers in many other situations.

Why do you need to strike up a conversation? Go to the pub, get a drink, nab a good table, scroll MN on your own until your pals arrive

This situation would bother me in the slightest

I'm also very introverted, but I'd be fine. I think "introverted" and "shy" often get incorrectly conflated, I'm not shy at all, I just have a much more limited social battery than my extrovert friends.

Like you I'd be completely comfortable surrounded by people I have a common interest with. I'd also be fine sitting alone having a pint and watching the shenanigans. In fact solo people watching is a pastime I quite enjoy!

There won't be any tables in a pub near a football ground before a game.

No problem sitting anywhere on my own with a drink and phone or kindle.

Yes, I'd be fine with that too, but there won't be anywhere to sit, unless maybe I ask to join a table.

This is true, I'm a bit introverted but shy DH is very introverted but not shy. He would be fine on his own in the pub, I would find it really difficult. I would rather look around shops or sit in a coffee shop alone until it was time to meet friends at the pub.

I personally would walk around the shops and wait in the nearest Costa/Starbucks

If I felt I was a "safe" place, I'd have no issue. I'd take a book and get a seat somehow and just chill. The table of people may chat to you or may not. There's no big deal. It's ok to be a human being by yourself.

Thank good for someone who doesn’t misunderstand ‘introversion’. It happens far too often on here. ‘Limited social battery’ is a good way of conceptualising it.

What you describe would be perfectly within my comfort zone, OP, and in fact, though I hate sport of any kind,I’ve had perfectly nice pub encounters with large numbers of (usually Arsenal) fans.

Well, they might pass the port the wrong way, if that’s a sticking point for you…

😆 Maybe that why I feel I'd fit in.

Some maybe, but the vast majority are ordinary people. I mean, I'll be there.

I think you meant to say aren't most football fans hanging around in the pub just normal people too?

🤦‍♀️

Fwiw, as a lone woman I find it far more comfortable walking into a pub of football fans than suits. The football fans might be loud and a bit sweary, but they'll be friendly and pleasant, not catcalling.

I've got myself a pint and a seat in the corner by the window. Perfect 🙂

You could see if there’s any organised fan groups going there that you could meet up with. Are you going to be obviously dressed like a fan too? In my experience if you’ve got a scarf/shirt or other identifying items then someone will strike up a friendly conversation with you about the team/game. I think it’s perfectly fine unless it’s an obvious flash point derby match (e.g. Rangers v Celtic) and you’re going to the opposition’s local pub to shout about how their players are not the best!

What's your evidence for this?

I don't think I could 😩

@Heedthaball
I think that's a bit unfair and very judgemental.
I don't like football but sometimes go for the craic.
Normal people out to socialise laugh and have a bit of fun.
If that's uncouth, then being uncouth is so much fun. You should try it 😜

When's the last time you went, to pass judgement?

I arrived about 25 mins before my friends. I walked up to the bar and was served quickly with a smile, stood briefly at a bar table, then someone offered me a chair. No one bothered me, but they were polite and friendly if I spoke to them.

Just people having a nice time with their mates. So no, not "any pub"