It's funny, I got into my current relationship around the time the apps started coming out so I've never really used them, but I remember people were praising it as a lot safer for everyone involved.

And tbh I can see that being the case compared to the older school approach of nightclubs being majority populated with people actively trying to find someone to sleep with

Back in the day we poor people would have had all night ho downs and tore the barn down, or had naked drunk parties in the forest. We should get back to that

This is not strictly true. In many places, even in rural areas, there are still dancing events. They are not galas, they're an analogue for peasants, but everyone's invited if they care to look for the events, just like it always was. I'm sorry to those who don't have this possibility in their respective area.

Fun fact, my SO and I met at a dance (poor person gala). It still happens.

Let's be honest. If I was alive back then, I would have been married off in exchange for a plow, 3 pigs, and 12 sacks of potatoes, if I was lucky.

I had tickets to a fancy gala to support one of the museums and I forgot to go, so I don't see that happening for me.

My favorite gala was the one in Dishonored where I could kill people and they rolled with it.

They sure still exist here in France, they are called "ralleys" and yeah, you're not invited (must be of a "good old family" or invited by one of them, they do that sometimes so the blood does not get too thick).

Sort of horror show if you ask me.

You didn't go to galas unless you owned successful businesses or people.

Yeah but we also still have tavern wenches like your mother.

I want this, but men dress up in their favorite version of "formal". Classic black tux? Yes. A 19th century get-up complete with cravat? Absolutely. A tee with a tux printed on it & black jeans? Sure. Medieval finery? Bring it.

I want to see them trying to attract partners like they're peacocks. I'd be curious to see who/what draws a crowd!

Women should do the same. I'd love to attend something like that!

Such people only "love" you for your status, as an exquisite piece of their collection. You are merely a luxury for them.

How so? They still need people to open the doors and do the catering.

Oooh they mean as an invited person? Pwffft na mate, everyone wants to be the princess but there's not as many openings as they think.

Hey, that's what I think when I walk past a local party for all the people that suck the dicks of the local political party.

I never go dancing in bals populaires whether for the forteen of July or for the fête de la musique but where do this person live not to have a place to go, dance and meet people?
I mean, if you want to go the capitalist way, nightclub are quite spread around the world...

Imagine missing out on nightclubs and all the other places a normal person can enjoy a night out...

they're called nightclubs now 😌

Downside: Ticket fees and potentially clothes shopping.

I'm looking at attending one next month, proceeds are going to local LGBT youth programs, but goddamn. Minimum $35 to get in, $50 if you want VIP, and looking through my wardrobe, I have nothing to wear that qualifies for a black tie event. I'm currently maxing out at "high-middle class restaurant" attire.

I was invited to something like a gala in grad school. I have not felt so alone and ugly since middle school. I'm not ugly, I just felt that way there.

This is correct, my company hosts a Gayla every year and I'm not invited to that either. It's for donors and essential folks only

I used to go to formal events pretty often, while living in a trailer park. You don't have to be rich.

Was working downtown and had a couple of hundred regular customers in construction related fields. Always got wind of something going on and I'll take any excuse to strap on a tux.

Around here there are Halloween, Mardi Gras, Christmas, etc. events going on fall to spring. Summer? Hell no, get inside or get underwater.