It’s a Friday, Saturday, Thursday, or maybe even Tuesday or Wednesday night, and you’re dying to go out. One problem- your housemates don’t want to. Maybe you’re bored or want to run into someone you shouldn’t be seeing. Maybe you need a fun time after a rough day and want to dance. You value time well spent, and you’re looking for a way to have some fun. What do you do when your housemates/friends aren’t cooperating? Here is a practical guide to convincing your besties that tonight could be the best night of their lives.
Disclaimer: Take this advice with a grain of salt. Know the difference between room for convincing and a hard no. Sometimes, it’s best to concede when someone won’t budge.
Cater to their interests
This tends to be the most effective method for convincing someone who isn’t necessarily feeling the going-out vibes, but leaves wiggle room for you to convince them. If you prefer Tumble Tuesday at Ale House but your friend is more into Dollar Beers at Trinity, get excited for Dollar Beers. Recognize that any place can be a good time with the right energy and people. If your friend is willing to compromise, meet them halfway.
GIVE ‘EM THE GOOD OLD-FASHIONED, ‘WE’RE ONLY THIS YOUNG/LIFE IS SHORT/ONLY (BLANK) MORE SEMESTERS TILL WE GRADUATE’ SPEECH
This tactic works exceptionally well on sentimental people, myself included. When you put life and your experiences into perspective, it’s easy to remember what’s truly important. Recount your favourite memories from going out. Remind them that the time spent in university is uniquely exciting and incredibly short. Point out that they won’t remember that late night they spent at Stauffer. They will remember the experiences they share with friends on nights out.
BARGAIN WITH THEM: IF WE GO OUT TONIGHT, YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO TO…
This technique will work on friends who typically enjoy staying in more than going out. Sometimes, you have to count your wins, not your losses. Pick a night of going out that you value less and offer to give it up in exchange for the event you’re more invested in attending.
Bribe them with drinks
This one requires little explanation. Funds can be sparse for university students. Who can say no to a free drink?
HELP THEM FINISH UP THEIR WORK
Sometimes, practical responsibilities get in the way of your friends making it out. If you initiate the plans, you shouldn’t have a problem lending your friends/roommates an extra hand. If they need to finish a reading, offer to help them make notes. If they have laundry to do, offer to throw in their load. In my experience, the offer of help always sweetens the deal.
I always remind my friends that the stakes for going out are usually low. The worst possible outcome of a night out is that you go home early. In such cases, you still get to get ready and look cute with your friends. Once the night ends, you’ll get to return home and laugh over horrible television together.
Next time you want your housemates to agree to a night out, try these tips to help sway them into saying yes!