Nobody warns you that “going outside” requires social skills.

You dress up, leave your house with confidence, enter the rave and suddenly you’re overstimulated, thirsty, surrounded by strangers, and questioning why you didn’t just stay home and stream.

You want to talk to people. You want to vibe. But you also don’t want to be that person who tries too hard or says something weird mid-song.

Consider this your non-cringe guide to surviving December raves and actually making friends without forcing vibes or embarrassing yourself.

1. First Rule: Read the Room Before You Read the Person

Not everyone at a rave wants to talk. Some people came to dance, some came to scream lyrics, some are just trying not to pass out.

Before you approach anyone, observe small things:

If someone looks locked into their own world, let them be. Friendship at raves works best when the energy is mutual, not forced.

2. You Don’t Need an Opening Line, You Need a Moment

This is where people mess up. You don’t need a speech. Raves already give you conversation starters for free:

Shared suffering builds bonds quickly. Use it.

If someone is calm, don’t come in loud.If they’re loud, don’t come in shy.If they’re dancing, dance too.

The goal is not to impress anyone. It’s to blend naturally into the vibe. The moment you start performing, people can feel it.

Friendship at raves is mostly about energy alignment, not personality depth.

4. Body Language Is Doing 70% of the Work

Standing close without invading space.Dancing side by side.Sharing a smile when your favourite song comes on.

Those small, silent interactions often turn into conversations later. Let things flow. Don’t rush it.

5. Compliments Work, Just Keep Them Normal

Say it. Smile. Move on if the energy doesn’t return. That’s not rejection, that’s just life.

6. Friend Groups Are Easier Than Individuals

If you’re nervous, approach a group instead of one person.

Groups are already in a social mood, and it takes pressure off you. You don’t need to be the star, just be present. Sometimes all it takes is standing next to them and vibing for five minutes.

7. Not Every Connection Has to Become Something

Some people are just rave friends. And that’s okay. The night can still be successful.

8. When to Exchange Contacts (And When Not To)

If you’ve been talking, dancing, laughing, yes, ask.If you only spoke once, don’t force it.

A simple: “Are you on Instagram?”&nbsp; works perfectly.

No pressure. If they say no, life continues.

Sometimes you won’t make friends.Sometimes the vibe will be off.Sometimes you’ll just enjoy the music and go home.

That doesn’t mean you failed at “outside.”

It just means you showed up&nbsp; and that counts.

Conclusion: Outside Is a Skill, Not a Personality

Making friends at December raves isn’t about being extroverted or confident. It’s about awareness, timing, and letting things happen naturally.

You don’t need to force connections. You just need to be open enough to catch them when they come.

So go outside. Dance. Smile. Drink water. And remember, everyone else is figuring it out too.

Going outside requires social skills nobody taught you. Here's your survival guide to making friends at December raves without forcing it or being cringe.

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