How sociable are you?

A.Penny.Saved

Some people's existence is measured by having people around them. If they are alone then they are afraid because they feel as if they don't exist. Whereas other people don't require other people, what they do is more important to them than social contact. I am like that, I can be alone for long periods and not see or talk to anyone and it doesn't bother me in the slightest.

I think I must of been born without a sociability gene. lol

LameWolf

Regarding people who look at you like you're crazy when they learn you make your own jam, bake from scratch, etc, etc.... Have you noticed they're always very happy to accept a pot of HM jam if it's offered them??:rotfl:

My DH occasionally gives the people next door a pot of jam, as they fetch our wheely bin back into the carport for us after the bin men have been, as it's too heavy for me, (as well as I'm scared to go out the front on my own) and it would otherwise have to wait til DH got home from work; and they put the glassware recycling box with it, if we've put that out, too, so DH likes to give them the jam as a thank you.

They've expressed considerable amusement that we make jam ourselves, but then said it's the best jam they've ever had.:D

jpscloud

I live alone and now wouldn't be dragged to a pub or social outing by wild horses! I do enjoy seeing the family but only for a couple of hours. I work in school so all my social needs are met through that - I love the kids and like almost all my colleagues (there's never enough time to get really fed up of anyone, unlike in an office, so that suits me fine).

I've lived alone for many years now and won't be changing that - I need my solitude!

Austin_Allegro

I have a theory that frugal people tend to have a combination of self-reliance and a willingness to buck the trend (of consumerism) and so tend to be more happy with their own company than people who like to spend. I've certainly never known a spendthrift who was a loner as well.

I like being sociable, but since moving abroad I don't do it so much due to the language barrier. I know a few Brits here but it's harder to make friends as you get older; I'm happy to meet my wife's friends from time to time but the effort of speaking/understanding their language gets a bit much. It's also hard for me to just chat and crack jokes with people in the shops etc. So I'm quite happy to be on my own much of the time.

The only time I really felt lonely was when I was travelling in the Himalayas and didn't speak to anybody for about a fortnight - that got a bit much!

Somebody (Philip Larkin, I think) said for some, life is company with occasional solitude, but for him, life meant solitude with occasional company. (I think the poem went something like 'Why did he think adding meant increase?/ To me it meant dilution') I'm one of those, I think.

ellie-g

This thread is so relevant to the festive season. There is so much pressure and brainwashing exerted that if you are not part of a large family group for Christmas day, you have somehow failed. What rubbish! So many of these 'idyllic' family gatherings are, in fact enforced hell for the participants. If you are on your own please dont assume that everyone else is having fun- because life is really not like that! Cosy up, find some nice things to read and watch, go out for a walk and the day will pass, like any other. When people ask me what I am doing for Christmas day I reply, 'ignoring it'. For the real spirit of Christmas its about helping those less fortunate. Those people are the ones that I admire not those engaged in a frenzy of consumption that they will be paying for all next year!

LameWolf

Well, we had Mr LW's oldest pal over last night - the one I mentioned before, who has lived alone since his divorce. Today I am suffering the fall-out from having three hours of company other than Mr LW - I have felt ill all day, to the point of actually being ill._pale_

I very foolishly also suggested that if Mr LW went and fetched him from his house, I'd drive him home, so that he could partake of some cider with Mr LW without having to worry about falling foul of Uncle Nick - and I hate driving with passengers, I get so horribly nervous.:eek:

I swear, I'm my own worst enemy sometimes.:(

Domayne

Like a lot on people on this thread - I'm also happy in my own company, doing my own thing and a lot of what people talk about irl, I find myself zoning out or not being present in the conversation and not really caring about what they are saying...but then at times, I do feel lonely, so I venture out and try and connect with people and end up feeling even more lonely than when I'm actually alone. I don't know if I'm anti-social or whether people freak me out or whether I just haven't found people I 'connect' with. I DO have a few friends...they are all rather dysfunctional relationships though

pigpen

Oh my alone time is so very precious. I get maybe a couple of hours a month and I honestly LOVE that time.


I did toddler groups and stuff with my older children but these younger ones have never been to a toddler group.. all the ones I used to go to closed so it would be a case of trying to integrate into a new group of people. I don't like people. They all want a piece of me and I have nothing spare. I have 3 good friends.. 1 I have seen twice this year but we are frequently in touch on FB. 1 lives a long way away but I know if I turned up on her doorstep she would greet me with great enthusiasm and feed me and we'd talk and laugh and have a lovely time. My other friend .. I know she is there if I need her. I have lots of online buddies who I have a close relationship with in so much as our lives overlap. I'm lucky if I get my chair to myself!!


I don't go out other than school runs and I get out of those as much as I possibly can.. I don't speak to any of the other parents.. I love talking to myself though it usually ends in an argument. I am quite happy sat on my own in my little castle with my knitting and my laptop.. when I get time away from my offspring.

Goldiegirl

LameWolf wrote: »

Well, we had Mr LW's oldest pal over last night - the one I mentioned before, who has lived alone since his divorce. Today I am suffering the fall-out from having three hours of company other than Mr LW - I have felt ill all day, to the point of actually being ill._pale_

I very foolishly also suggested that if Mr LW went and fetched him from his house, I'd drive him home, so that he could partake of some cider with Mr LW without having to worry about falling foul of Uncle Nick - and I hate driving with passengers, I get so horribly nervous.:eek:

I swear, I'm my own worst enemy sometimes.:(

I know what you mean - if I do have to do socialising, I'm completely exhausted afterwards!

melanzana

This thread has IMV really empowered those of us who do NOT always need company.

It is so good to be happy in your own skin isnt it?

Well it is for me, and the good thing is, (and it is partly true), many others feel the same as us, but will carry on driving themselves nuts playing a game.

I hope I am not being too truthful here! But be true to yourself, and always have a balance.

Happy Christmas everyone.