Something I wrote on another site... but totally still applies. We have abdl friends in real life and getting out there is the best thing we ever did.
A case for attending events - Loving RVA
Note: This is done on a smart phone featuring autokerrkt, there very well may be typos you would not find in my graduate thesis or white papers.
One of the most endearing aspects of the Richmond area is the warm, friendly people in the ab/dl community here and from the surrounding areas. I've been a "Daddy" for decades and it can be a lonely existence even when you have a little under your care.
Why?
Because, nobody I've ever met wants to play alone. Sometimes, interacting with others enhances your play in ways you would never imagine. Making friends who "get you" and are thrilled to hang out and do fun things.
RVA is truly a wonderful spot for Ageplay. My baby girl attended her first munch and after party event about two months ago. She was filled with fear and dread. The demons "Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt" thought they had a strong grip on my little. They whispered things like "Nobody will like you!", "This going to be a Jerry Springer Episode on steroids!", "There will be creepy people there!", and the most terrifying "What if someone I know or work with is there?"
Baby Rox was very brave and clutched my hand so tight at the Legends Brewing munch that it took time to get the feeling back. Her apprehension quickly dissipated as she saw the host's warm smiling face. Surprise of surprises! He wasn't an Ogre or mean. He WAS dressed incognito to the untrained eye, very friendly and a consummate ringmaster as others arrived - making introductions and keeping everyone included.
We ate great food, talked to interesting people, and even learned of another Ageplay group called the Little Scouts. Rox's eyes widened as a gentleman discussed spanking techniques for discipline. A young lady discussed her relationship dynamic. Rox listened intently.
On the ride home, she was far more excited than I had seen her in recent memory. Questions about "spankings" and comments about how nice and sweet everyone was... and of course her biggest relevation "Daddy, they are people like you and me!"
I felt truly blessed because when someone has a bad experience, many times that is it. The "one and done!" mentality takes over. In our case, she had a wonderous time.
The events that are planned are done with great care. From a day trip to Pony Pasture Park (thank you RVA Little Scouts Troop 804), to the "after party's" filled with childish fun, and the lunch/munches at spaces with something for everyone. Nothing warmed my heart more than watching my kiddo do Mario Kart racing with another little girl as the daddy's cheered them onward. She gushed about what an absolute cutie one of the little boys was (in a non-sexual way of course). After protesting about daddy buying $20 worth of tokens, she relented when she had played them all. Watching her play pinball with her tongue curled under her lip with intense concentration was so adorable.
It was also a thrill to have a little ask me to play a shooter game with him. As a daddy, I enjoy being around all littles regardless of their gender (actual/perceived/chosen identity). I've met people who have many similar life experiences - which is a factor that simply can't be explained. It gives you a warm fuzzy feeling. It also made me wonder if there was a specific set of experiences that people in Ageplay were more likely to possess?
With each event, I watched my little girl slowly emerge from her shell. She is still a bit timid. With time, I see her growing bolder and more out going. The key take away is she is "growing".
Our play time has been enriched. Last night I was informed that she wanted... no NEEDED a purple and gold glitter sparkle tutu (LSU). She wants me to take her to one of the CONS... Teddy or CAP, as time and finances permit. She never would have considered going until recently.
Because of that first venturing out, we have found a wonderful community, and my little plans things around Ageplay events (hair/nail appointments get rescheduled now whenever possible). We have started some great friendships and know that we will become fast friends with everyone in our local area group. And who knows, maybe we will do some traveling to other munches/events outside our local area.
To those of you out there that are afraid to get out there, I want to encourage you to find the courage to go. Our lives have been immeasurably enhanced by getting to know others in person. You might just find yourself wondering why on Earth you didn't do it sooner.
