You had to be there….
In today's world, social media can be a big deal. Many people use it for different purposes. However, when it comes to parties, do you really get to enjoy your time because you always on your phone? Sometimes phones can be a HUGE distraction. Back in the day, well my HS school days, we weren’t big on taking pictures or using snap chat every 5 mins (well it wasn’t no apps out like that anyway) but back then you got to enjoy your surroundings. You got a chance to enjoy the music, dance, enjoy your friends, and interact with new people. Over the weekend, Saturday night to be exact, I went to a party called “You had to be there” and let me tell you “YOU HAD TO BE THERE.” The experience I had there probably was better than I had in a long time. Let me explain this party to you all.
I always seen the post and invite to this one particular party and every time I tried to go something always came up but this time, I was determined to make it and experience it. “You had to be There” is a party where NO PHONES ARE ALLOWED. And when they say no phones, they mean no phones. This particular party took place in Brooklyn and they also travel to other locations nationwide. When I arrived at the party, of course the line was long but it moved very quickly, which was very surprising because I wasn’t sure how they would lock up your phone so I assumed it would take some time. But shout out to the people who threw the party and the organizers because honeyyyyyyyyy they all were on point. The price ranges from free.99 to about $30 depending on the time of your arrival. It was free until a certain time but of course, I wasn’t on time but I only paid $20 which was well worth it. Getting up to the door, security will let you know that no phones will be allowed and if caught you will be thrown out. Why pay to get thrown out? Just abide by the rules. Once we finish paying, they give you a wristband. Now this wristband is actually a payment. What I mean by payment is that you link your credit or debit card to your wristband so that you can pay for drinks or even coat check. I thought that was pretty dope because I don’t have to worry about pulling out anything. Just tap and go. This concept is really good. Now you can use cash but most people now rarely carry cash. So, once you finish that part, its time to lock the phone up. At first, I was a little skeptical about the whole lock up your phone because I wasn’t sure how it will be done. They give you this cute pouch and it locks how some clothing tags have.
The hard lock where only a certain device can take it off and they allow you to hold it all night. Side note, I don't think I was suppose to keep it but I had forgot to throw it in the bin lol and I wasn't going back inside to do that so sorry for keeping it lol. Now for me, I carry no bags but a wristlet so my phone won’t fit so I decided to put it in coat check with my coat (I made sure it was safe with the coat check organizers because you know trust issues lol). I mean its no need for me to have it if I can’t use it right?
Now let me get into the party. The organizers won’t tell you who the DJ line up which I think is dope. Just vibe out to whatever music is being played instead of seeing who is playing because sometimes you never know who is a surprise guest (in this case not this time but you never know). Once in the party, the music was lit. Every DJ did their thing, played all types of music and kept up with the vibe of the party. The whole idea of having no phone allows you to vibe. To let loose and be you. You don’t have to worry about whose texting you or even snapping the whole time while in the party because at the end of the day, are you really enjoying yourself or are you just showing people that you out? Most of the time people snap so much that they not even having a good time. At this party, you get a chance to enjoy whoever you came with, dance with new people, make connections if you wanted to, and drink. I even got a free drink from someone just because. You don’t have people just standing around because without your phone, it is like you are force to enjoy. I think people should do that more often because whatever you were worrying about, you can leave it at the door and don’t even have to look at your phone to throw your vibe off.
This party showed me that it is okay to just put your phone down and vibe and I believe I will do that more often. I don’t have to worry about whose texting me, snapping me asking me where I am at, or just looking at social media just because. It is only a couple of hours to be phone-less. Everyone was vibing together, dancing and laughing, and having a good time. To me, I need to carry a pen and paper just in case I wanted to give out my number or something lol. The only thing I would suggest is to wear a watch because even though I wasn’t worrying, I did want to know the time. So maybe the DJS could announce like every 30 mins what the time would be or have some clocks around. I did ask a few people what time it was because they did have a watch and oh yeah they make sure you put your smart watch off too. I’m not sure how that would work but I didn’t see anyone using it.
So, when it comes to parties, we all love to snap and share what we are doing but sometimes you should give yourself a break and enjoy the moment. I, myself love snapping, but I won’t do it as often anymore. I want to enjoy the vibe and be in the moment. I would recommend this party to anyone. You get a chance to see how people really vibe. I didn’t see anyone just standing around looking at their phone. Everyone had to party and If they didn’t enjoy themselves, then they just miserable over all and those people you should just leave alone.
Overall, make sure you attend “You had to be there” because it is a great experience and I guarantee you, it will change your mindset on using your phone so much.