FOGO: Fear Of Going Out

Is there really anything better than the stench of alcohol and sweat? How could you possibly say no to the tidal wave of nausea and the deafening headache that will wake you up the next day? Esther Hannan-Moon explains why FOGO, the fear of going out, is a perfect and preferable option for a Saturday night.

Going out to clubs, grabbing a few drinks and dancing the night away can be exhilarating, but the chaos and pain is enough to turn a lot of people away (and rightly so!).

Peace, Quiet and Me Time:

You’ve had three full days of university classes, lectures, practicals, labs, tutorials and this isn’t including all the piles of homework you still must complete (sorry to remind you). The other days are a hurricane of work shifts, sporting events and family commitments. It sure sounds like you could use some quiet time to gather yourself and really slow down your week. The obvious choice, then, is to hit the club where your head feels like it’s lodged inside a jet engine. The other option is to stay at home, bundled up in blankets, pyjamas with a nice warm drink.

Everyone needs some me time and there’s nothing wrong in saying so to your friends. You never know, they might be secretly thrilled you cancelled. This way both of you can binge your favourite TV show and actually hear your own thoughts.

Comfort

High-heel shoes, sweat and zero amount of personal space versus the comfort of slippers (or bare feet, maybe even bed socks – take your pick!) and your warm bed. Personally, I’d take the second option any day! Spending a night out with strangers and loud music doesn’t sound like a comfortable environment to be in.

Clubs are overstimulating and overwhelming (unlike the sheer amount of TV shows you need to catch up on). In this sense, clubs can cause people to feel very uncomfortable and vulnerable.

Why risk it? Stay home where it’s safe and cosy. I am in the category of finding clubs too much of a sensory overload for my liking, and I would much rather curl up with a book under the blankets. Being around too many total strangers can feel like the first day at a new school – at least at school, they weren’t drunken strangers! Staying home avoids these uncomfortable situations altogether.

The Hassle:

This next next reason to embrace FOGO is pretty self-explanatory – why bother? There is so much effort that needs to be taken to go to the club. Let me list a few of the issues:

1.     What are you going to wear?

2.     To bring your phone or to not?

3.     Money! (the biggest hassle of them all)

4.     Who’s going (is anyone going?)

5.     Where are you going to go?

6.     When? Can everyone meet up at the same time ?

7.     Dealing with friends that flake….yep.

8.     Getting there (and back)

9.     Warding off people from:

–       Hitting on you or your friend

–       Spilling their drink on you

–       Jumping in front of you at the bar

–       Stomping on your toes because they think they look cool dancing like a dying fish

10.  Dealing with your totally smashed friend

11.  And lastly…the hangover!

I’m sure you can list many, many more. Going out is a hassle. It takes timing, planning and a heap of preparation. Perhaps your flaky friend might have the right idea after all?

So why bother going out? Is it to socialise? Realistically, how much talking do you do when you can’t hear each other? Socialisation can also be done in your bed on your phone – or maybe just arrange to see your friends another time. Is it for the club’s exhilarating nature? Oh yes, that hangover sure does feel awesome! Maybe you could try dancing around in your bedroom like a crazy person where you have a lot of space, your own music choices and comfy clothes? Now that sounds much nicer, doesn’t it?

I’m sure there are reasons to go out, but FOGO gives me a real, viable and snug alternative for evening entertainment.

Esther Hannan-Moon is a second year UTS student studying Creative Writing for her Communications Degree. She wants to start a career in publishing and writing. She adores animals, especially baby echidnas called puggles.