4 ms·

I'm conflicted about socialising. It seems at best shallow and trivial. At worst downright exploitative. It seems like a politician's game, or a gangster's. Ye

I'm conflicted about socialising. It seems at best shallow and trivial. At worst downright exploitative. It seems like a politician's game, or a gangster's. Yet occasionally I enjoy the warmth of catching up with an old friend. 'The ape-descendant will greet [me] in return, but in deference to a million years of evolution, he will not attempt to pick fleas off [me]; Earthmen are not proud of their ancestors and never invite them round to dinner.' (Douglas Adams)

brbrodude 9y ago
Age? I'm a lifelong loner in a 'healthy sense', know plenty of people but could always pick when I wanted to do my stuff or meet people. At 30, I sort of became bored of my own company and now prefer to be with other people & forget about myself, it wasn't like this before. I'd just spend uncountable hours reading on everything and it really hooked me, reading, drawing, programming, learning history, documentaries... Like, everything. But I don't feel like this anymore, I think I dried my curiosity somewhat and have gotten fed up.
- atomical 9y ago
  I'm headed this direction as well. It seems like I'm getting so much more out of even the most basic social interaction than a TV show or documentary.
manjushri 9y ago
Socializing is a game, but that doesn't mean you can't play it with genuine, mutually beneficial, good intentions.
marnett 9y ago
It most certainly is a game, and while I enjoy making others laugh when given the chance, when on the lookout for real interaction I just pay attention to the share of conversation in an interaction. Someone who asks no questions, talks too much, lacks eye-contact, says no goodbye - they are merely just being social 'just cause' and are, unfortunately, taken off of my list of people I care to be social with. If you are unable to detect when someone has no interest in getting to know you, and merely wants to leave you with some impression of their social superiority, just pay attention to how much they talk. If they never once get to know you, then do not waste your time with them. There are plenty of great people who are kind and caring - ask questions to people and see if they are willing to open up and listen for a change.

brbrodude 9y ago

Age? I'm a lifelong loner in a 'healthy sense', know plenty of people but could always pick when I wanted to do my stuff or meet people. At 30, I sort of became bored of my own company and now prefer to be with other people & forget about myself, it wasn't like this before. I'd just spend uncountable hours reading on everything and it really hooked me, reading, drawing, programming, learning history, documentaries... Like, everything. But I don't feel like this anymore, I think I dried my curiosity somewhat and have gotten fed up.

atomical 9y ago
I'm headed this direction as well. It seems like I'm getting so much more out of even the most basic social interaction than a TV show or documentary.

manjushri 9y ago

Socializing is a game, but that doesn't mean you can't play it with genuine, mutually beneficial, good intentions.

marnett 9y ago

It most certainly is a game, and while I enjoy making others laugh when given the chance, when on the lookout for real interaction I just pay attention to the share of conversation in an interaction. Someone who asks no questions, talks too much, lacks eye-contact, says no goodbye - they are merely just being social 'just cause' and are, unfortunately, taken off of my list of people I care to be social with. If you are unable to detect when someone has no interest in getting to know you, and merely wants to leave you with some impression of their social superiority, just pay attention to how much they talk. If they never once get to know you, then do not waste your time with them. There are plenty of great people who are kind and caring - ask questions to people and see if they are willing to open up and listen for a change.