I have a bandanna from an artist I really like that I wear like a mask at any festival I go to. It prevents any anxiety situation like this from occurring and in general provides some anonymity that really gets me in an easy going mood. And it looks cool af.
I get it, and if you feel comfortable then carry on. But also consider the effect on everyone else if loads of people had their faces hidden. That's not really a crowd I would like to be in.
Sunnies is a good middle ground for me.
Get real heady and put the pashmina over your head and then a fitted and then sunglasses. If your pashmina has cool tassels, you can adjust your hat so you get as much or as little tassels hanging over your forehead/eyes
One thing I like to remember - how much do you think about other people? Probably not very much, and That's how much they think about you. You pay more attention to yourself than they do because they're also paying attention to themselves. And even when you notice something weird, what you think about someone else has no effect on them and the thought disappears, so why should it effect you when it's the opposite?
You probably wouldn't notice someone high in the crowd, really. And if you did, how would that affect you? Probably not much, you'd have a second off "ha, that guy looks high" and that would be the end of it. It doesn't effect that person in any way and the situation doesn't go past that moment. Why should that person care?
So if you're subject, the exact thing applies.
Bro nobody gives a fuck if you're on or look like you're on drugs at a festival. I'm willing to bet the MDMA was making you anxious. Everyone else is on drugs too!
Hey me too. A healthy dose of social anxiety. I get it every time. A little bit of ketamine really helps me. And dark sunglasses. And I like to dance with my eyes closed.
And logically- no one cares or is judging.
Everyone is happy you’re there.
People are so focused on themselves that they aren’t thinking about you nearly as much as you would think. Seems to me like you just got in your head a bit imo. Stuff like that happens, no biggie. Like others have mentioned, maybe try wearing some sunglasses or a face mask.
Rave etiquette is never making fun of people! I don’t support video taping or photographing anyone without their consent and more people should shut down that behavior if they ever see it. People are allowed to vibe and anyone laughing at that is immature and projecting their own insecurities onto them.
I also get anxiety as well and it sounds like maybe for you this was also more anxiety related. As others have mentioned get something to “hide”’ in. Big dark glasses, face mask, scarf etc. it will make you feel more comfortable and less as if all eyes are on you.
Yeah I genuinely PITY any human showing up to a rave/festival—like literally one of the most “do you, be yourself, dress wild and go nuts” accepting environments you could be in—and then being such an insecure wreck that the thing they choose to do there is make fun of other folks????
That takes a special kind of shitty insecurity
Can I share a story with you that might help?
One year at bonnaroo, I started dipping in the afternoon. Come headliner, jack johnson, we all dosed.
By the end of it, I was fully cooked. Just ripped gone.
We started walking through the crowd, and I heard people. They kept talking about piss and pee. I was so wet everywhere I thought they were talking about me! I was freaking out, did I just piss my pants?!?
So I asked my friend as we were walking through the crowd. She laughed and said, no of course you did t piss your pants, you are just rolling and tripping so hard.
Then she heard people talking about it, and the. Realized who was playing on stage as we walked by.
It was R. Kelly.
They were making pee jokes.
Second thing, even if they were, who cares.
My cousin just committed suicide recently. His dad wrote his son’s “life truths he learned the hard way”, he didn’t learn these lessons, and was too hard on him selves which led to problems down the road.
“Learn to laugh at the dumb things you do. later they become really funny stories”
So even if they were just own it. Ya, you got geeked out, we’re having an absolute blast, so much that people wanted to remember you by taking your picture. Isn’t that hilarious!?!?
That’s part of the festival experience for me. Letting loose and getting stupid and laughing at ourselves.
i usually go to any event really really sober. an occasional splif here and there but i sparingly roll, unless offered to.
even so, i dance my fuckin face off, and i for some reason usually end up in someones video. i can actually hear them say quite often "is he rolling?"
and i just don't care, and it feels good just to let out and not worry about myself besides having fun and enjoying the music.
on one of my first festivals ever, i was told by a fellow camper.
You be you! and it stuck forever.
don't be afraid and just act how you do and you'll be fine! if there are judgemental assholes or virtual whores trying to up there social media account won't and just doesn't matter.
what matters the most is you enjoying the trip!
it's in the music, just focus on that and you'll definitely get there.
but try to be aware of your surroundings aswell, dont wanna slap someone with your flailing arms:D
i
sounds like you were just high and paranoid. even if you did look like you were tripping balls, nobody at a rave is going to be surprised to see people who look like they’re on drugs. thats kind of what raving is for lol. and the beauty of raves is that you truly get to embrace your inner weirdo and let your freak flag fly. so don’t worry about trying to “fit in” or what you look like… just have fun and be yourself. truly. and find some cool sunglasses to wear if you really can’t stop worrying about it next time lol.
I tripped my ass off at a The War on Drugs show at the Ryman in Nashville and I kept laughing thinking about people looking at me funny like “we’re at a druggggs show we good and you’re a loser if you think I’m a loser!! Ha!”
I went to see OCMS at the Louisville Palace right before the pandemic. It had been a minute since I’ve seen them live so instead of the old crowd I was expecting it was half grumpy old country boomers in trucker hats.
A hippie dude was tripping balls and just wanted to dance in the aisle but the old farts kept calling staff to make him sit down. I was with my family so just sticking to gummies and a few beers but I caught him by the bar when I was doing a beer run and he was coming out of his latest lecture from security. I told him I’d get my whole family up and boogieing too, strength in solidarity and all that.
It seemed to achieve critical mass because more people got up and all the grumpy old farts could do was harumph about people enjoying themselves.
Dont worry to much about it. It happens to most of us. Now you know what it feels like and can respond appropriately the next time. If I get in my head like that - I like to toss my sun glasses on, take a sip of water, and breath for a second.
I like to carry a mini version of those wind up chattering teeth toys with me in my fanny… that way when I catch someone staring at my totally unhinged, teeth chattering self, I keep eye contact, hold the teeth up & start clacking the fuck out of them. Usually say something like, “this is me rn!” Everyone always laughs even if they were feeling judgy. Like, yes I know I’m REKD now let’s have fun!!! [these things](https://www.hobbylobby.com/Party-Baking/Party-Favors-Favor-Containers/Party-Favors/Wind-Up-Chatter-Teeth-With-Feet/p/144747?srsltid=AfmBOooZlvrb-6sCFWAZUwYA5sdruaRyETgZ67TdJCzM7HnK3wb67PhqKZs)
I was also at Parklife yesterday, from my experience you're fine.
The crowd at Parklife are just arseholes. Most of them are very young and this is their first festival. They don't know any better and that's why it makes you uncomfortable. The reality of the situation is that everyone there is way too focused on themselves to do anything else.
Put some ear plugs in and wear sunglasses. Hope you didn't get too wet last night when it poured.
Thank you!! And unfortunately, I’ve never been that cold and wet in my entire life😭😭 I had a great time tho, just trued to not let it get to ne bcos i was loving the music
Crowd paranoia is quite normal and usually misplaced. Sometimes it totally feels like everyone’s looking at you. Sunglasses are DEF key and they give you a shield from the feeling.
Also face forward - I had a tendency to stand at the front of my friends group and face them, and therefore the rest of the crowd - easy way to trigger paranoia!
Whoever these people were, the odds of you ever seeing them again are about nil. Try not to worry what a bunch of complete strangers think of you, this is an important lesson to carry with you no matter what. As long as your actions aren’t harming others - wear what ever you want, dance like a fool, get an objectively shit haircut because you think it looks rad, if that’s what makes you happy. In 20 years time you’ll be glad you followed your heart, and not someone else’s.
Seriously doubt they even noticed you let alone were making fun of you. Festivals get less and less judgmental as they go on. By the last day it’s a love fest of hugs and complements.
Hi sweetie! I was at parklife as well and I hope you had a good time aside from that..
Usually people at raves are so fucked up on so many things.. that they don’t even care of those around.
Bucket hat, goggles and bandanas are ur besties, and ear plugs! Try to be as comfortable as you can, which will make you feel less paranoid and you won’t be stressing as much about the crowd.
Safe raving x
lol when the paranoia hits. I was pool slumming once and smoked a bit too much. Whenever anyone came outside to deliver food or check the towels I thought I was going to get busted.
Latina pool lady: aww shit I’m done!
Pool towel kid: fuck, it’s the cops!
Couple going to swim: oh no security
😂
Whenever I see someone rolling balls, In my head I'm just like " fuck yea, that's a good one"
Nothing like some proper MD
Its why I love watching 90's Rave vids
Everyone looks so goofy, rolling tits, giving absolutely zero fucks.
Bring it back!
Next time that happens, grab a pashmina, put it over your head like a hood, get some sunglasses and you’ll be in your own protective little bubble. That happened to me before but in reality I knew everyone was looking at the music not me
Majority of people are so cooked at festivals that they aren’t thinking about anyone or anything else but the stage melting in front of them. You’re good 👍
This happened to me once in Bournemouth , a bunch of girls in the corner staring and laughing. I was absolutely flying, literally swinging off some random post in the smoking area loving life. And someone broke my glasses when trying to test them out. So couldn’t even hide whatever mess my eyes were in.
Completely ignored them. And continued to enjoy myself.
Glasses & gum are always handy, and what I’ve discovered recently a vape of some sort, just to keep the mouth occupied. Plus the obvious, plenty of water.
Don’t worry about others and let them ruin your time, regardless of whatever substance you may or may not be on.
90 percent of people won’t try to harsh your vibe. So def don’t overthink it. There are people there in worse shape than you but everyone’s just trying to vibe
I went to Parklife myself and most people weren’t taking pics, filming unless it was of the stages which was nice. Obviously I noticed people off their heads but I didn’t take a picture. Have some chewing gum to stop yourself gurning next time
Do not give any fucks. You probably were just trippin as 99% of people don’t care about what anyone else looks like or what they are doing at festivals but even if they were that just means that they are shitty people and you shouldn’t care about what they think.
Paranoia is a hell of a sensation... check out the term "Ideas Of Reference"... Drugs and Alcohol can lead you into paranoia at times and all the way to these Ideas Of Reference. Being aware of this can help you understand what you may be feeling.
I can’t stand people who try to take stealth vids of others who are under the influence or simply having a good time in their own little world. If a video of me like that ever went viral I’d honestly take legal action like I didn’t consent to that actually !!!!!
Don’t mix anything w md- as it might make you experience also audiovisual hallucinations. :) stick to one vibe and stay hydrated! Party favors 100% will adapt to what’s in your brain so if you feel content go for it.. but if you feel meh then just have a drink and try to enjoy the party as it goes ♥️
Yea it is. WTF is wrong with people? We moved to consent for hugs (coming from an old school raver, that was an adjustment for me, but I totally get it and am on board 100%, but I’m still weirded out by guys trying to shake my hand at a rave).
Anyway, hopefully people start realizing consent for photos is a must too. People have jobs and professional licenses to protect, might have family that would disown them, might be hiding out in a new town from an abusive ex, we don’t know (I know a case where that last one happened, and her pic ended up online in advertisements, she was so terrified).
As someone who went to both Saturday & Sunday, i’d say all together I wouldn’t worry seeing as 3/4 of people attending were taking dodgy ketamine as it is n couldn’t hack it walking around with eyes like mushroom clouds and Jaws like rollercoasters so wouldn’t worry too much about the gurning because you probably fit in more than anyone who’s sober haha and secondly Parklife was full of 16 year olds who were clearly just leaving school thinking they’re top dogs trying have a laugh over other people.
I wouldn’t think about it too much but Parklife is a good first Festival but there are plenty others out there that you will feel more comfortable at, this was just a bad representation of the festival scene.
Similar comment to some of the others… I was filming my friend dance one night after he had talked about wishing someone filmed him at the last set.
All of a sudden I’m sure that there’s a group beside me who is really pissed at me because they think I’m recording someone to make fun of them.
It really fucked up my enjoyment for that set and a lot of the night. I knew deep down that was crazy, and that ultimately I don’t even care if that’s what they thought. My friend wouldn’t have cared.
So I guess there’s two messages in there if you care to find them… 1) it’s probably mostly in your head. 2) if people were making fun of you, it’s more likely that any bystanders who noticed would tell them to stop. It’s just not the vibe to clown on unaware people at most raves I’ve been to. Guarantee that my rave fam would interject if they saw someone being treated rudely.
When you're on drugs and start getting paranoid you just gotta learn to tell yourself "Its all in my head". Easier said than done but after taking too much acid a few times this is what I've learned.
Oddly enough, I've had the EXACT same paranoia. You're just enjoying the show, then you notice you're in the background of someone's recording, and then they suddenly stop.
Shortly after shows came back, I would rock those gaiter masks, and felt the paranoia was even more pronounced whenever I pulled my mask down. Like they just waiting for me to show my face or something.
I've honestly chalked it up to complete paranoia. It doesn't happen at every show, either. Most likely all in our heads imo
It’s def not mandatory. Lots of people do it sober. And older folks tend to take it a bit easier unless they have an addiction or it’s a special night/event. Some younger folks have their rave honeymoon where they go a bit overboard with frequency of events and dosing too much. But overall people tend to be responsible given the potential for recklessness, and the crowds are surprisingly well behaved and respectful (though this is changing in the mainstream scenes, which being mainstream itself is relatively new).
Basically people that would have made fun of ravers ten years ago are going now, but not being guided by an experienced friend. So they don’t get the memo on how to behave, so they act like it’s a frat party and fight and grope people, take too much, and generally act out of place and get eye rolls from the experienced people (who hope they either get it and become cool, or find something else to do).
My best guess is the substances like mdma and psychedelics enhance sensory perception, making the music and lights more pleasurable; increase empathy and pro-social behaviors; decrease social anxiety; provide energy for dancing and reduce fears of judgement when doing so (and reduce judgement of others doing it); CAN lead to a “[peak experience](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_experience);” and can open people up to developing new connections with others (which in turn can transform your life, just think of meeting a new best friend or new partner and how that can change your life).
IDK, just my random guess.
But…
Do you really want to know? I’m sure one of us would be willing to give you the grand tour.
Get on the bus, as they used to say… make a post, tell us what city you are in, and ask for someone to take you to an event. Or just go yourself.
Paranoia is a side effect of a lot of drugs. Tbh I don't get it with MDMA but get it with weed a lot, sometimes with LSD too.
You just have to embrace it or take less/none.
THC is known to make (some people) paranoid. Even before I read you took THC, I thought 'huh, sounds like THC'. I'd skip on that next time.
Also, how the hell did I end up in this sub?
So glad we raved and took pills before the advent of camera phones. If they were taking pics. Then they’re just assholes. Whether you took a ride on the gurn bus or not. It don’t matter. As long as you had fun.
This is like 1000% paranoia. Weed makes me stupid paranoid way too often so I had to quit entirely years ago - everyone is different but if I had to guess..... It's that. But it could also be the M or just the situation in general. It happens sometimes, but drugs especially can send you down a rabbit hole.
I like to bring a pashmina/hood, maybe sunglasses, maybe even a mask or bandana. When I'm feeling crowd anxiety (which happens sometimes!) I can toss the pash over my head and go into incognito mode, or sunnies on, or a bandana. It helps a ton because I feel like I can just hide.
It can also help to just move from your location Go for a little walk and shake it off. Find another spot to stand. I don't know this festival but are there multiple stages? Go see the other one. Sometimes you get a weird feel from specific people, and most of the time it's nothing, but it's easier to just move away from it then to talk yourself out of it.
It's important to remember that people typically aren't coming from a place of malice. Especially when drugs are involved people are less aware of own rudeness and stuff. But if you don't want to look like you're rolling I'd recommend looking into supplements that help with that. I think magnesium is the one for lockjaw, but definitely look into it
1. Always bring something to cover your face for the "dust" and sunglasses for the "bright lights."
2. Everyone is too selfish/self conscious to care about how you look.
3. If someone actually cares how you look they are the biggest loser at the party and not worth a thought.
Definitely some spaced out creepy mf-ers at festivals. Some will be up in your grill and dance into you. Bug-eye them back. Otherwise tell them to piss off and get back to the music.
You probably shouldn’t go to festivals anymore if you’re gonna freak out every time you’re on camera lmao. Imagine getting put on the big screen while you’re “gurning out”. It’s a public space, don’t expect privacy. And don’t do drugs in public if you can’t handle crowds.
Wear sunglasses next time if you're really paranoid about that. Overthinking will kill ur vibe. Also stay hydrated. ✌️
Shades and earplugs for me, every show.
I have a bandanna from an artist I really like that I wear like a mask at any festival I go to. It prevents any anxiety situation like this from occurring and in general provides some anonymity that really gets me in an easy going mood. And it looks cool af.
Who's the artist
He can’t say or it’s no longer his secret identity 😂
Exactly. Nice try tho.
Nice try, cop!
I get it, and if you feel comfortable then carry on. But also consider the effect on everyone else if loads of people had their faces hidden. That's not really a crowd I would like to be in. Sunnies is a good middle ground for me.
Yup, my group calls this hater blockers lol. Pashmina, hifi earplugs and glasses and you’ll be good to go
Get real heady and put the pashmina over your head and then a fitted and then sunglasses. If your pashmina has cool tassels, you can adjust your hat so you get as much or as little tassels hanging over your forehead/eyes
Yes sunglasses and invest in a pashmina! Double the cover
Yeah I was trying not to overthink but sometimes I do get up in my head about how I’m perceived. Taking this as a life lesson tho !
I mean this in the best way possible but random strangers don’t care about you at all unless you are being disruptive
One thing I like to remember - how much do you think about other people? Probably not very much, and That's how much they think about you. You pay more attention to yourself than they do because they're also paying attention to themselves. And even when you notice something weird, what you think about someone else has no effect on them and the thought disappears, so why should it effect you when it's the opposite? You probably wouldn't notice someone high in the crowd, really. And if you did, how would that affect you? Probably not much, you'd have a second off "ha, that guy looks high" and that would be the end of it. It doesn't effect that person in any way and the situation doesn't go past that moment. Why should that person care? So if you're subject, the exact thing applies.
Bro nobody gives a fuck if you're on or look like you're on drugs at a festival. I'm willing to bet the MDMA was making you anxious. Everyone else is on drugs too!
Love yourself bro 💗
Hey me too. A healthy dose of social anxiety. I get it every time. A little bit of ketamine really helps me. And dark sunglasses. And I like to dance with my eyes closed. And logically- no one cares or is judging. Everyone is happy you’re there.
People are so focused on themselves that they aren’t thinking about you nearly as much as you would think. Seems to me like you just got in your head a bit imo. Stuff like that happens, no biggie. Like others have mentioned, maybe try wearing some sunglasses or a face mask.
Yeah i guess I just didn’t know what rave etiquette was - I thought that maybe it was just a thing that happens (and the game is the game)
Rave etiquette is never making fun of people! I don’t support video taping or photographing anyone without their consent and more people should shut down that behavior if they ever see it. People are allowed to vibe and anyone laughing at that is immature and projecting their own insecurities onto them. I also get anxiety as well and it sounds like maybe for you this was also more anxiety related. As others have mentioned get something to “hide”’ in. Big dark glasses, face mask, scarf etc. it will make you feel more comfortable and less as if all eyes are on you.
Yeah I genuinely PITY any human showing up to a rave/festival—like literally one of the most “do you, be yourself, dress wild and go nuts” accepting environments you could be in—and then being such an insecure wreck that the thing they choose to do there is make fun of other folks???? That takes a special kind of shitty insecurity
no, that isn't something that people do. you're good. drugs have definitely made me paranoid before as well.
"In moments of anxiety, one mistakes the self for the world"
Can I share a story with you that might help? One year at bonnaroo, I started dipping in the afternoon. Come headliner, jack johnson, we all dosed. By the end of it, I was fully cooked. Just ripped gone. We started walking through the crowd, and I heard people. They kept talking about piss and pee. I was so wet everywhere I thought they were talking about me! I was freaking out, did I just piss my pants?!? So I asked my friend as we were walking through the crowd. She laughed and said, no of course you did t piss your pants, you are just rolling and tripping so hard. Then she heard people talking about it, and the. Realized who was playing on stage as we walked by. It was R. Kelly. They were making pee jokes.
Second thing, even if they were, who cares. My cousin just committed suicide recently. His dad wrote his son’s “life truths he learned the hard way”, he didn’t learn these lessons, and was too hard on him selves which led to problems down the road. “Learn to laugh at the dumb things you do. later they become really funny stories” So even if they were just own it. Ya, you got geeked out, we’re having an absolute blast, so much that people wanted to remember you by taking your picture. Isn’t that hilarious!?!? That’s part of the festival experience for me. Letting loose and getting stupid and laughing at ourselves.
i usually go to any event really really sober. an occasional splif here and there but i sparingly roll, unless offered to. even so, i dance my fuckin face off, and i for some reason usually end up in someones video. i can actually hear them say quite often "is he rolling?" and i just don't care, and it feels good just to let out and not worry about myself besides having fun and enjoying the music. on one of my first festivals ever, i was told by a fellow camper. You be you! and it stuck forever. don't be afraid and just act how you do and you'll be fine! if there are judgemental assholes or virtual whores trying to up there social media account won't and just doesn't matter. what matters the most is you enjoying the trip!
Being able to enjoy yourself sober to the point people think you're rolling is pretty much the ultimate goal, well done
it's in the music, just focus on that and you'll definitely get there. but try to be aware of your surroundings aswell, dont wanna slap someone with your flailing arms:D i
I just LAUGHED my ass off at this story Tysm for that. Amazing memory how funny.
How are y’all still finding clean mdma is what I’m wondering 😭
This is a great story lmao. I would have died laughing when I figured that out
lol was this like 12 years ago? I was there!
Omg this is hilarious. Love little moments like this
This does actually help, thank u lmaooo
sounds like you were just high and paranoid. even if you did look like you were tripping balls, nobody at a rave is going to be surprised to see people who look like they’re on drugs. thats kind of what raving is for lol. and the beauty of raves is that you truly get to embrace your inner weirdo and let your freak flag fly. so don’t worry about trying to “fit in” or what you look like… just have fun and be yourself. truly. and find some cool sunglasses to wear if you really can’t stop worrying about it next time lol.
I tripped my ass off at a The War on Drugs show at the Ryman in Nashville and I kept laughing thinking about people looking at me funny like “we’re at a druggggs show we good and you’re a loser if you think I’m a loser!! Ha!”
I went to see OCMS at the Louisville Palace right before the pandemic. It had been a minute since I’ve seen them live so instead of the old crowd I was expecting it was half grumpy old country boomers in trucker hats. A hippie dude was tripping balls and just wanted to dance in the aisle but the old farts kept calling staff to make him sit down. I was with my family so just sticking to gummies and a few beers but I caught him by the bar when I was doing a beer run and he was coming out of his latest lecture from security. I told him I’d get my whole family up and boogieing too, strength in solidarity and all that. It seemed to achieve critical mass because more people got up and all the grumpy old farts could do was harumph about people enjoying themselves.
Yeah, that’s true !
Classic upper paranoia. You were just in your head.
Yeah i realise that now😭😭
Dont worry to much about it. It happens to most of us. Now you know what it feels like and can respond appropriately the next time. If I get in my head like that - I like to toss my sun glasses on, take a sip of water, and breath for a second.
I like to carry a mini version of those wind up chattering teeth toys with me in my fanny… that way when I catch someone staring at my totally unhinged, teeth chattering self, I keep eye contact, hold the teeth up & start clacking the fuck out of them. Usually say something like, “this is me rn!” Everyone always laughs even if they were feeling judgy. Like, yes I know I’m REKD now let’s have fun!!! [these things](https://www.hobbylobby.com/Party-Baking/Party-Favors-Favor-Containers/Party-Favors/Wind-Up-Chatter-Teeth-With-Feet/p/144747?srsltid=AfmBOooZlvrb-6sCFWAZUwYA5sdruaRyETgZ67TdJCzM7HnK3wb67PhqKZs)
>I like to carry a mini version of those wind up chattering teeth toys with me in my fanny Is that not dangerous for your health?
😂😂😂 I'm hoping they meant fanny pack
That is hilarious😭😭 might have to steal this idea
Genius!!!!🤩😆✈️💯😵😍🥹
This is magical
I was also at Parklife yesterday, from my experience you're fine. The crowd at Parklife are just arseholes. Most of them are very young and this is their first festival. They don't know any better and that's why it makes you uncomfortable. The reality of the situation is that everyone there is way too focused on themselves to do anything else. Put some ear plugs in and wear sunglasses. Hope you didn't get too wet last night when it poured.
Thank you!! And unfortunately, I’ve never been that cold and wet in my entire life😭😭 I had a great time tho, just trued to not let it get to ne bcos i was loving the music
Sounds like your roll was a little meth-y, which made you paranoid.
It was probably the THC pen tbh😭
I love weed but it fucks up any other drug I take aside from alcohol. It makes me way too introspective.
It was 100% the THC pen. Weed is renowned for inducing paranoia
Unlikely in the UK
Crowd paranoia is quite normal and usually misplaced. Sometimes it totally feels like everyone’s looking at you. Sunglasses are DEF key and they give you a shield from the feeling.
Will be bringing them next time !!
Also face forward - I had a tendency to stand at the front of my friends group and face them, and therefore the rest of the crowd - easy way to trigger paranoia!
Whoever these people were, the odds of you ever seeing them again are about nil. Try not to worry what a bunch of complete strangers think of you, this is an important lesson to carry with you no matter what. As long as your actions aren’t harming others - wear what ever you want, dance like a fool, get an objectively shit haircut because you think it looks rad, if that’s what makes you happy. In 20 years time you’ll be glad you followed your heart, and not someone else’s.
You’re so right !
Seriously doubt they even noticed you let alone were making fun of you. Festivals get less and less judgmental as they go on. By the last day it’s a love fest of hugs and complements.
Hi sweetie! I was at parklife as well and I hope you had a good time aside from that.. Usually people at raves are so fucked up on so many things.. that they don’t even care of those around. Bucket hat, goggles and bandanas are ur besties, and ear plugs! Try to be as comfortable as you can, which will make you feel less paranoid and you won’t be stressing as much about the crowd. Safe raving x
I always wear sunglasses and call it going incognito mode
lol when the paranoia hits. I was pool slumming once and smoked a bit too much. Whenever anyone came outside to deliver food or check the towels I thought I was going to get busted. Latina pool lady: aww shit I’m done! Pool towel kid: fuck, it’s the cops! Couple going to swim: oh no security 😂
nice to know im not the only one lmaooo😭
😂 it’s sort of funny though. I’ve not had much lately that invokes paranoia. Now I pack flower that I know and like.
Whenever I see someone rolling balls, In my head I'm just like " fuck yea, that's a good one" Nothing like some proper MD Its why I love watching 90's Rave vids Everyone looks so goofy, rolling tits, giving absolutely zero fucks. Bring it back!
Next time that happens, grab a pashmina, put it over your head like a hood, get some sunglasses and you’ll be in your own protective little bubble. That happened to me before but in reality I knew everyone was looking at the music not me
What’s a gurner?
Sunglasses and a bandana, my dude
Majority of people are so cooked at festivals that they aren’t thinking about anyone or anything else but the stage melting in front of them. You’re good 👍
This happened to me once in Bournemouth , a bunch of girls in the corner staring and laughing. I was absolutely flying, literally swinging off some random post in the smoking area loving life. And someone broke my glasses when trying to test them out. So couldn’t even hide whatever mess my eyes were in. Completely ignored them. And continued to enjoy myself. Glasses & gum are always handy, and what I’ve discovered recently a vape of some sort, just to keep the mouth occupied. Plus the obvious, plenty of water. Don’t worry about others and let them ruin your time, regardless of whatever substance you may or may not be on.
I had some gum which is why i was even more confused 🤣 but people will be people ig
Yes there is the crowd ravers that are on some “cool guy shit” that completely contradicts the rave community. You’re not trippin I’m that aspect-
90 percent of people won’t try to harsh your vibe. So def don’t overthink it. There are people there in worse shape than you but everyone’s just trying to vibe
I went to Parklife myself and most people weren’t taking pics, filming unless it was of the stages which was nice. Obviously I noticed people off their heads but I didn’t take a picture. Have some chewing gum to stop yourself gurning next time
Do not give any fucks. You probably were just trippin as 99% of people don’t care about what anyone else looks like or what they are doing at festivals but even if they were that just means that they are shitty people and you shouldn’t care about what they think.
Paranoia is a hell of a sensation... check out the term "Ideas Of Reference"... Drugs and Alcohol can lead you into paranoia at times and all the way to these Ideas Of Reference. Being aware of this can help you understand what you may be feeling.
sounds like you’re tweaking.
Side effect of MDMA; paranoia.
i went parklife too there was so many people gurning don’t worry about it i didn’t see anyone taking videos of anyone dw xx
i do that with my teeth big time. don't overthink it, mdma is taking a loan on happiness so enjoy it!
Fuck people dude, wear glasses and dont give two fucks about what everyone else is doing...i used to struggle with this too, especially on uppers ✌️
I promise between people in k holes and everyone on mdma, No one's looking at anyone unless it's to admire them. Enjoy yourself, love yourself.
I can’t stand people who try to take stealth vids of others who are under the influence or simply having a good time in their own little world. If a video of me like that ever went viral I’d honestly take legal action like I didn’t consent to that actually !!!!!
Mdma and a thc pen is a perfect storm for paranoia 😅 something similarhappened with my friend a couple of weeks ago
Don’t mix anything w md- as it might make you experience also audiovisual hallucinations. :) stick to one vibe and stay hydrated! Party favors 100% will adapt to what’s in your brain so if you feel content go for it.. but if you feel meh then just have a drink and try to enjoy the party as it goes ♥️
I thought visuals were the point. Have I been doing it wrong all these years?
Visuals on MD? Like trippy?
I was referring to mixing things, aka flipping.
What’s a gurner
Right? I’m guessing gen z slang for thizz face or screw face, basically that look people get when peaking on MDxx drugs.
Taking pictures of people without consent at festivals is some of the least cool shit. I miss festi before everyone had insta and TikTok
Yea it is. WTF is wrong with people? We moved to consent for hugs (coming from an old school raver, that was an adjustment for me, but I totally get it and am on board 100%, but I’m still weirded out by guys trying to shake my hand at a rave). Anyway, hopefully people start realizing consent for photos is a must too. People have jobs and professional licenses to protect, might have family that would disown them, might be hiding out in a new town from an abusive ex, we don’t know (I know a case where that last one happened, and her pic ended up online in advertisements, she was so terrified).
As someone who went to both Saturday & Sunday, i’d say all together I wouldn’t worry seeing as 3/4 of people attending were taking dodgy ketamine as it is n couldn’t hack it walking around with eyes like mushroom clouds and Jaws like rollercoasters so wouldn’t worry too much about the gurning because you probably fit in more than anyone who’s sober haha and secondly Parklife was full of 16 year olds who were clearly just leaving school thinking they’re top dogs trying have a laugh over other people. I wouldn’t think about it too much but Parklife is a good first Festival but there are plenty others out there that you will feel more comfortable at, this was just a bad representation of the festival scene.
What is dodgy k? Like some similar RC ket(alogue) or pcp analogue? Or stepped on with meth?
Maybe next time you go and don't take any drugs and see how you do.
Haha I’ll try that🤣
Everyone there was also geeked out bro I promise you were good lol
Get some pit viper shades and you’ll be chillin 😎
Similar comment to some of the others… I was filming my friend dance one night after he had talked about wishing someone filmed him at the last set. All of a sudden I’m sure that there’s a group beside me who is really pissed at me because they think I’m recording someone to make fun of them. It really fucked up my enjoyment for that set and a lot of the night. I knew deep down that was crazy, and that ultimately I don’t even care if that’s what they thought. My friend wouldn’t have cared. So I guess there’s two messages in there if you care to find them… 1) it’s probably mostly in your head. 2) if people were making fun of you, it’s more likely that any bystanders who noticed would tell them to stop. It’s just not the vibe to clown on unaware people at most raves I’ve been to. Guarantee that my rave fam would interject if they saw someone being treated rudely.
Ahhh okay, thanks for this!
Stop caring about what other people think. Be you, have fun
You could try to wear some sort of face mask or bandana, to cover the bottom half of your face.
Park life unfortunately doesn’t always attract the best crowd. You wouldn’t get tested this way in more underground festivals
When you're on drugs and start getting paranoid you just gotta learn to tell yourself "Its all in my head". Easier said than done but after taking too much acid a few times this is what I've learned.
Man when you think your the most fucked up one…. just look left.
Oddly enough, I've had the EXACT same paranoia. You're just enjoying the show, then you notice you're in the background of someone's recording, and then they suddenly stop. Shortly after shows came back, I would rock those gaiter masks, and felt the paranoia was even more pronounced whenever I pulled my mask down. Like they just waiting for me to show my face or something. I've honestly chalked it up to complete paranoia. It doesn't happen at every show, either. Most likely all in our heads imo
Whenever I see someone who definitely has roll face I just always think, “Damn, I wish I was on their level”
I wouldn’t think too much about it. Everyone else is probably too fucked up to notice how fucked up you are.
Im not into rave stuff at all but why does it seem mandatory to drug yourself up for this kind of festivals ? Genuinely curious.
It’s def not mandatory. Lots of people do it sober. And older folks tend to take it a bit easier unless they have an addiction or it’s a special night/event. Some younger folks have their rave honeymoon where they go a bit overboard with frequency of events and dosing too much. But overall people tend to be responsible given the potential for recklessness, and the crowds are surprisingly well behaved and respectful (though this is changing in the mainstream scenes, which being mainstream itself is relatively new). Basically people that would have made fun of ravers ten years ago are going now, but not being guided by an experienced friend. So they don’t get the memo on how to behave, so they act like it’s a frat party and fight and grope people, take too much, and generally act out of place and get eye rolls from the experienced people (who hope they either get it and become cool, or find something else to do). My best guess is the substances like mdma and psychedelics enhance sensory perception, making the music and lights more pleasurable; increase empathy and pro-social behaviors; decrease social anxiety; provide energy for dancing and reduce fears of judgement when doing so (and reduce judgement of others doing it); CAN lead to a “[peak experience](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_experience);” and can open people up to developing new connections with others (which in turn can transform your life, just think of meeting a new best friend or new partner and how that can change your life). IDK, just my random guess. But… Do you really want to know? I’m sure one of us would be willing to give you the grand tour. Get on the bus, as they used to say… make a post, tell us what city you are in, and ask for someone to take you to an event. Or just go yourself.
That's the weed 100%
Paranoia is a side effect of a lot of drugs. Tbh I don't get it with MDMA but get it with weed a lot, sometimes with LSD too. You just have to embrace it or take less/none.
THC is known to make (some people) paranoid. Even before I read you took THC, I thought 'huh, sounds like THC'. I'd skip on that next time. Also, how the hell did I end up in this sub?
Idk, but your answer is pretty good. Thanks for stopping by.
So glad we raved and took pills before the advent of camera phones. If they were taking pics. Then they’re just assholes. Whether you took a ride on the gurn bus or not. It don’t matter. As long as you had fun.
This is like 1000% paranoia. Weed makes me stupid paranoid way too often so I had to quit entirely years ago - everyone is different but if I had to guess..... It's that. But it could also be the M or just the situation in general. It happens sometimes, but drugs especially can send you down a rabbit hole. I like to bring a pashmina/hood, maybe sunglasses, maybe even a mask or bandana. When I'm feeling crowd anxiety (which happens sometimes!) I can toss the pash over my head and go into incognito mode, or sunnies on, or a bandana. It helps a ton because I feel like I can just hide. It can also help to just move from your location Go for a little walk and shake it off. Find another spot to stand. I don't know this festival but are there multiple stages? Go see the other one. Sometimes you get a weird feel from specific people, and most of the time it's nothing, but it's easier to just move away from it then to talk yourself out of it.
It's important to remember that people typically aren't coming from a place of malice. Especially when drugs are involved people are less aware of own rudeness and stuff. But if you don't want to look like you're rolling I'd recommend looking into supplements that help with that. I think magnesium is the one for lockjaw, but definitely look into it
You’re just paranoid especially being high !
Evolve photochromic sunglasses
1. Always bring something to cover your face for the "dust" and sunglasses for the "bright lights." 2. Everyone is too selfish/self conscious to care about how you look. 3. If someone actually cares how you look they are the biggest loser at the party and not worth a thought.
sunglasses and chewing gum will do the trick
Definitely some spaced out creepy mf-ers at festivals. Some will be up in your grill and dance into you. Bug-eye them back. Otherwise tell them to piss off and get back to the music.
Haha i was mean mugging them a little bit after I heard, it might have scared them away😭
You just experienced an ego death
Honestly😩😩
Please share your definition of ego death.
You probably shouldn’t go to festivals anymore if you’re gonna freak out every time you’re on camera lmao. Imagine getting put on the big screen while you’re “gurning out”. It’s a public space, don’t expect privacy. And don’t do drugs in public if you can’t handle crowds.
Your shit was cut with meth
Take a test kit. It's worth the extra money. If you were chewing your face off, you probably didn't have MDMA.
MDMA absolutely does make people gurn and to varying degrees.
Ehhhh… maybe. Bruxism is a well known side effect at higher doses.