You want to walk into, let's say, a party going on with acquaintances who you kindof have seen around but have never really spoken to. They all kindof know eachother pretty well already and are trading jokes and laughing about things you may not know or understand. Seems intimidating, right? Well, what about when one of them says hello to you, and then another, and then another and another?

Some of them are still continuing on their own conversations, some people are asking you how you are and commenting on the fact that they don't see you much around these kinds of functions. You're quiet at first for a bit, but then you overhear someone else's conversation or ask what they're talking about, so someone explains the discussion to you and it's something you have an interest in a little bit, so you gab with them. There might be a sports game on that people are watching, or some of them might be recounting a particular cool goal or play made in a recent game. In the kitchen you can hear a bunch of people (likely drunk) being loud and going on about something you maybe don't really care about, but they're not hurting anyone, just being a little obnoxious. Then someone says something rude, and a bunch of people tell them that what they said wasn't cool and it's a bit uncomfortable for a second, but the party's vibe gets right back to its groove in no time. And then it starts to peter out and people kindof leave and you're thinking, "man, it's dead in here," but all of a sudden, some super fun and enthusiastic people show up at the door! By this time, you've already been at the party for a little while so you say "hey what's up" as if you're one of them. And just like that, you are!

At that point, you either stick around, think maybe you'll come back next Friday night to get to know these people a little better at the next party, or you decide that maybe you don't want to try to get to know any of them as you're just too different from the group.

Chat folks are no different than forums folks, but the environments are. It's a bit more relaxed and chill (though the forums are chill enough). Sometimes it's dead, sometimes it's buzzing and there are five conversations going on at once. How do you decide if you'll fit in? You just have to start talking to someone.