cadence - do try again, it's just like anything other group of people - some groups are more or less open to newcomers. Since I will not be attending play parties unless my husband decides that is something we will do (I expect hell to freeze over long before that happens ) I'll never be a "fully participating" member of the group whose munch I attended. But, I did not get the impression that it was a requirement. You have given me food for thought though, so I'll probably ask one of the officers of the group if play party attendance is expected of those who want to attend munches regularly.

Benz and ceegee - thanks so much for adding your information and voices of experience to this thread. For myself, attending the munch was so fraught with emotions (anticipation, curiosity, fear, desperation to meet other submissives, discomfort) that I was worried that I would behave inappropriately or rudely without realizing it. I did lots of research about munches in general and studied the guidelines, many times, for this particular munch that the group posted on the internet.

Here are my thoughts on the sometimes stringent guidelines for attendance and behavior: Our sexuality and/or kink is so much a part of our innermost psyche and so directly tied to how we feel about ourselves, that revealing this to others may feel safer within a clearly defined context.

tessa - thanks for the hugs, I needed them! Realized Saturday morning that I need to be more cognizant of my word choices when thanking my husband - the word "sometimes" can definitely be misunderstood, depending on where you put it in the sentence! Otherwise, a great weekend! So today I am not only "well", I'm actually feeling really good. My insides are dancing around like dorkalicious' avatar...
Lots of hugs back to you!