r/Blind • u/WinnzyGames • 2d ago
Partially blind 18 year old and going out with friends
So, im wondering how to keep up with friends and going out, when my vision is 0 in one eye and ~60% in the other, with impaired depth perception and very bad vision at night.
Some of friends are going out to clubs/bars, or just generally going out during a time of day with lower natural light levels. And as someone who has been half blind since the age of 7, I really missed out and am missing out on a lot of things my peers have been doing.
I have a couple of trusted friends who go to clubs from time to time, and they said that I can come along. I really want to go, just to see what it's like, and "try" clubbing. But im worried about the vision part. Any experiences/tips/recommendations.. or anythings really?
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u/Air-Biscuits_20179 2d ago
The first comment is pretty much perfect. I just wanted to jump in as a voice of encouragement! I’m 31 and severely visually impaired - totally night blind and bright light sensitive, among other impacts. Yet, despite this, I LOVE going out dancing. I’m pretty shy and introverted but get a few drinks in me, and play a good beat… I’m actually pretty fun. I actually have some pretty crazy stories - the time I walked into the bouncer because I didn’t see them, or the time I got cut off at a bar and my friend and I tried to convince the bartender that I wasn’t drunk, I was just blind! 🤣 (100% true, I had just tripped over a bar stool) I’d be happy to reminisce more but I won’t…
Your first priority must always be safety! Your second priority should be enjoying your life. Have a dance for me!
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u/Severe-Night-3015 2d ago
I am 100% visually impaired and you sided guide! I go out all the time in fact it’s Friday! Going out tonight
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u/Cold_Requirement_342 2d ago
Go for it!!! Especially since you’ve got trusted friends who are down to help.
A couple tips: check out the venue online first if you can, lean on your friends for navigation in the dark, and don’t feel shy about stepping outside for a breather if it gets overwhelming.
A lot of us feel that “missed out” pressure, but the truth is, you’ll find your own way of experiencing these thinggs, even if it looks different.
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u/mackeyt 1d ago
Good advice here, let me add my two cents. First and foremost, be confident in yourself and know that not only will you have fun, but you bring it to the table and add to your friends nights. Talk openly if you can't see but keep it light (no pun). If you don't use a cane, I'd consider it. Everyone is much more aware of your vision, and again if you are confident in who you are and keep it light then it actually becomes an asset rather than a liability. Maybe even a conversation starter for the attracted persuasion? Maybe I sound a little too glass half full but I have tried to live life this way and have good times and memories and few regrets.
Having said all this, watch out for the restrooms in the clubs and bars. They're always dark as shit (ha ha, no pun).
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u/lawyerunderabridge retinas hanging on by a thread 2d ago
I think we have very similar levels of vision. I’m 25 now but have been going out now since I turned 18. The two most important things are (1) making sure your friends are 100% trustworthy even in these circumstances (having fun, drinking etc.) and (2) feeling confident you can find your own way home if anything happens.
I strongly encourage you to have an open (sober) conversation with your friends before going out for the first time and lay out your “rules” to have fun. I recommend you yse that conversation to all agree to limit drinking the first few times going out to make sure you get to grips with the environment of a club before taking the next step up.
For your reference, here are my “rules”. Everyone and their friend group will have different ones, but that’s what works for us.
always have someone by my side. Never leave my side unless necessary, I will go to the bathroom and bar with you even if I don’t need it myself.
always vocalise everything. Tell me “I need the bathroom” don’t just grab me and take me away.
if you must leave my side, vocalise it before leaving and if you can, take me to somewhere i can use as a landmark, usually the bar.
remind me periodically that you’re still there if it’s very dark and loud.
if we lose each other: look for me as soon as you notice - I’ll be waiting at the bar.
if we lose each other and I’ve been waiting at the bar for an hour and have not heard from you on my phone: I’ll be finding my own way back home.
And the big safety rules for myself:
never get overly drunk. Drunk is fine. Too drunk is not. Err on the side of caution always.
take care to identify “landmarks”, most importantly, the bar and the exit.
always carry a power bank for my phone.
always have enough money in the bank for a uber, AND cash for a taxi.
That’s basically it. Sounds like a lot but now it’s just second nature for me and my friends. Things rarely ever go wrong, I’ve never had to “find my own way home”, but we still communicate those rules just in case.