Wonder why you haven’t been invited to a barkada outing in a while? Maybe it’s because you’re guilty of breaking these rules.
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Many of us know the struggle of getting the outing outside the barkada gc. While it’s one thing to say in the chat that you want to hang out, it’s a whole other ballgame to see it manifest in an actual get-together. The payoff at the end though is often always worth it when spending time with the people close to you. But, just because you’re besties doesn’t give you a free pass to do what you want, especially if it causes inconvenience to others.
Just like with any social gathering, barkada outings also expect certain behaviors from the people involved to make the experience as fun and smooth as possible. Sure, every barkada operates on their own dynamics, with each friend group being different. But there are some universal truths still worth following. After all, no one wants a vibe killer in the gang. So, scroll down for a few red and green flags to keep in mind for your next barkada outing, whether that be watching a movie or going on trips abroad.
REPLY IN THE CHAT
From a simple hangout at a friend’s place to a weekend stay at an Airbnb, a lot of planning can often come with barkada outings. So, when someone initiates, replay in the gc. No one wants to be left on read or seen. A simple yes or no will suffice. Not only will it make things clearer who will and won’t be able to go, but it will also make life easier for the designated organizer of the group to plan the outing. Also, when you’re asked what you want to do, respond and let your friends know. Don’t assume your friends can read your mind.
AGREE TO AND FOLLOW THE ITINERARY
If your barkada agreed to a schedule or itinerary, it’s best to follow it. So, don’t be late or show up hours after the agreed-upon meet-up time. Unless you have a valid excuse to be late or change the schedule, stick to what was agreed upon. While you might think it’s not a big deal to your friends, it’s a sign that you don’t respect their time or know how to manage your own time.
Yes, we all have that friend who is always late. But let’s not make it a habit, especially for outings that require a certain time to be followed. Finally, these plans were settled before the outing, so if all you’ll do is complain when you get there, it might be best if you never went in the first place.
IF RIDING WITH SOMEONE, PAY UP
Car trips with friends are always fun. But that doesn’t mean you’re entitled to free trips for the rest of your life. Even if your friend doesn’t ask for it or is fine with not being paid, it’s still nice to offer to pay for a portion of the gas or toll. Trust us, it’s going to mean to them knowing that you care for them like that. The least you can do is pay for what you spend. Don’t leave all the expenses on one or a couple of friends. And remember, if you have to pay someone back, pay them back on time.
NO DITCHING OR FLAKING LAST-MINUTE
No one likes a flaker, especially someone who does it at the very last minute. Unless you have a valid excuse, do not ditch the outing when you said you’d go. It’s annoying and frankly leaves a bad taste in your friends’ mouths. At the very least, you can let them know that something came up last minute, and you can’t go. The last thing you want is to leave your friends hanging without an explanation. This kind of behavior is a one-way ticket to being uninvited from the barkada hangouts.
TELL THE GROUP AHEAD IF YOU’RE BRINGING A PLUS ONE
A bit of a hot take, but if it’s not agreed upon that you can bring a plus one to an outing, then don’t bring one. TBH, it’s a vibe killer when someone brings a plus one from outside the circle of friends to the get-together. And even if it’s someone they know, it’s always best to say it in the chat ahead of time. This is especially true if you’re thinking about bringing your boyfriend or girlfriend to the barkada hangout. Don’t be that friend who shows up with an uninvited guest.
HELP AROUND WHERE YOU CAN
When it comes to overnight stays, out-of-town trips, and even overseas vacations, just because you’re having fun, doesn’t mean you should neglect your responsibilities. If you see your friends doing tasks such as cooking, buying groceries, or cleaning the plates and utensils, read the room and help where you can. They aren’t your maids, so be responsible, make yourself useful, and pitch in on what needs to be done. Even something as simple as cleaning up after yourself is an appreciated gesture.
BONUS: PASSENGER PRINCESS NEEDS TO HAVE A-TIER MUSIC TASTE
While it’s not a must-have for every outing, it is a plus when the passenger princess, or whoever has the AUX cord or whose phone is connected to the speaker, has good music taste. It doesn’t hurt to have a lit playlist for the whole squad to enjoy.
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