Last Sunday, I arranged a date with a girl named Mandy, whom I had become acquainted with through my friend's girlfriend, Sara. Mandy had always struck me as an amiable and engaging person during our brief interactions at football gatherings at my friend's place. Confident that she shared my interest in football, I invited her out to watch a game at a local sports bar, planning to also enjoy dinner and possibly play some pool.

After picking Mandy up, we arrived at the bar where she spotted a friend of hers sitting with a group. After a quick hello, we initially grabbed seats at the bar to eat. Shortly thereafter, Mandy suggested joining her friend's group. Reluctantly, I agreed. Post introductions, I felt quite out of place as Mandy immersed herself with her friends. Attempts at engaging others in conversation about football or other topics didn't pan out well, leaving me sidelined.

As the game neared its end, I informed Mandy of my plans to leave soon, to which she persuaded me to stay for one more drink. What followed were rounds of shots for her group, while I stuck to my soda due to driving responsibilities. Realizing she wasn't wrapping up as indicated, I reiterated my need to leave due to an early morning. Mandy seemed absorbed with her friends, almost oblivious to my departure, and after multiple attempts to gain her attention failed, I eventually left alone.

The fallout came the next day when Sara berated me over the phone for abandoning Mandy at the bar. Despite explaining the situation, Sara dismissed my feelings, suggesting I should have just joined in. Though Mandy was never truly alone, the ordeal has left me questioning if walking out made me a bad person.

Imagine if this scenario played out on a reality show, the drama would certainly be heightened with cameras rolling, capturing every awkward silence and disappointed glance. Viewers would probably be divided, some sympathizing with my feelings of exclusion, others criticizing my decision to leave without Mandy. It's funny how much more intense every reaction and decision can seem when you're under the public's eye.

Did I do the right thing by leaving the bar?

Was it justified for me to leave Mandy at the bar?

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