Do you like to socialize?

[ckay87]

I despise socializing with people who I flat-out do not know. Like going to a work party for DH's office. I'd rather he go without me.

But I enjoy having friends. I like to get together with people who I kind of know and getting to know them better - like parents of my cub scout kids, etc.

It's important to have friends outside of your family. Sometimes it is REALLY important, you know?

 

[MickeyCrazedMom]

When my son was born I put flyers in everyones mailbox trying to start a playgroup. I organized our first block party this year. I love to do these things, especially since I don't work. It gets very lonely sometimes spending the entire day with a 3 & 4 year old.

My DH on the other hand, I have to drag by his ear to get him to go anywhere. We have lived in our sub for 8 years and after the block party he said, "I didn't know we had so many nice neighbors!" Ummm...that's because you never leave the house!

 

[KimR]

I don't like to socialize either unless it's with good friends. But going to parties, playgroups, neighborhood get-togethers, showers - no thanks. I despise small talk and don't do well in groups. I used to consider that a huge character flaw in myself and went through a phase where I forced myself to do those types of things. I soon realized that I was accomplishing nothing but making myself miserable so now I've come to accept that it's perfectly fine to be somewhat anti-social. Life is too short and I'd rather spend my time with family and close friends doing the things I enjoy.

 

[Abbie]

Sometimes I feel social and other times I don't. I tend to be shy even though it's not always obvious when I'm meeting someone. Once I've gotten out and socialized I am glad that I have done it--it's the getting out the door that's not always easy.

That's me, especially the forcing yourself out the door part. The older I get the more I cherish just nesting at home and don't like to go out so much. But I think it's important to force yourself sometimes. I'm actually very good at small talk and socializing, I just don't feel like making the effort sometimes.

I read an article last week that dismayed me a little because it showed a link between Alzheimer's and socializing. It said that staying social (making the effort to go out with friends, do stuff with groups, etc.) was a link to preventing Alzheimer's and I worry that by wanting to be home more might predispose me to
the disease more than I already am!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

That's me, especially the forcing yourself out the door part. The older I get the more I cherish just nesting at home and don't like to go out so much. But I think it's important to force yourself sometimes. I'm actually very good at small talk and socializing, I just don't feel like making the effort sometimes.

I read an article last week that dismayed me a little because it showed a link between Alzheimer's and socializing. It said that staying social (making the effort to go out with friends, do stuff with groups, etc.) was a link to preventing Alzheimer's and I worry that by wanting to be home more might predispose me to
the disease more than I already am!

Hey, where do you live in MD? I'm in Montgomery County. I'd love to meet sometime.

 

[rkandmjsmommy]

NO WAY would I have gone, social anxiety would have gotten the best of me I like to go out with MY friends who know and love me anyway, but with strangers I get too nervous... not fun!!!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

NO WAY would I have gone, social anxiety would have gotten the best of me I like to go out with MY friends who know and love me anyway, but with strangers I get too nervous... not fun!!!

What I tell myself is that I might be meeting someone who I like a lot and who becomes a good friend. I also like to push myself to do things out of my comfort zone sometimes. Scary yes, but it is a good feeling once the trauma part of it is over.

 

[disykat]

I love sitting around a casual gathering and talking with other people I probably have something in common with. I would have loved the gathering I think you described. (Unless someone had really naughty kids, but that's another story!) Laughing, telling stories, comparing notes, getting to know each other, etc. is one of my favorite parts of new friendships.

I can't stand dressing up and going to things where everyone is acting hostessy and polite.

 

[MAKmom]

That's me, especially the forcing yourself out the door part. The older I get the more I cherish just nesting at home and don't like to go out so much. But I think it's important to force yourself sometimes. I'm actually very good at small talk and socializing, I just don't feel like making the effort sometimes.

I read an article last week that dismayed me a little because it showed a link between Alzheimer's and socializing. It said that staying social (making the effort to go out with friends, do stuff with groups, etc.) was a link to preventing Alzheimer's and I worry that by wanting to be home more might predispose me to
the disease more than I already am!

Now your freaking me out. I just decided this weekend I'm done socializing. I hate it

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

I like to socialize a little too much.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I love sitting around a casual gathering and talking with other people I probably have something in common with. I would have loved the gathering I think you described. (Unless someone had really naughty kids, but that's another story!) Laughing, telling stories, comparing notes, getting to know each other, etc. is one of my favorite parts of new friendships.

I can't stand dressing up and going to things where everyone is acting hostessy and polite.

I know exactly what you mean, but for some reason this cracked me up.

 

[maelstrom]

I honestly prefer to be by myself. If I'm in the right mood I may hang out with a very small group of close friends. But I really just like to be left alone.

I don't know if any of you are familiar with the artist Kurt Halsey, but one of his drawings has this quote on it: "I don't wanna be lonely, I just wanna be alone." I like to talk to my friends on the internet, but I don't want to go out. The quote makes a lot of sense to me.

 

[slo]

I am a real social butterfly!!!!

I love meeting new people and talking with them.
I recently joined the local Chamber of Commerce (I own my own custom frame shop), and I've really enjoyed socializing with those people. It's fun to get to know more people!!!

I also love DIS going to DIS meets and socializing with DISers face to face. I could sit around and talk to DISers for hours and hours!!!!

Now, don't get me wrong, I sometimes am not in the mood for socializing. But I'm the queen of not showing it, and still socialize anyway

 

[suzimar57]

nope.

we're pretty "anti-social"

even our doormat says it all: GO AWAY

 

[Kath2003]

If I'm in the mood.

I hate hate HATE housemates who are constantly knocking on my bedroom door for something. If I want to talk to you, I'll come out and socialise, otherwise it means leave me alone! It's okay now, though, my housemate and I feel exactly the same!

Otherwise, bring on the parties!

 

[java]

Ok now I feel AWFUL!!
She brought me over some treats from the get together! Now I think I am going to have to have them over here. *dang that pumpkin bread is yummy.

 

[RichNKatHolly]

nope.

we're pretty "anti-social"

even our doormat says it all: GO AWAY

LOL. We're in NJ and my BFs doormat says the same thing!!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Ok now I feel AWFUL!!
She brought me over some treats from the get together! Now I think I am going to have to have them over here. *dang that pumpkin bread is yummy.

Oh no! Maybe you can just make some cookies and send them over.

 

[HOGFAN]

dont mind socializing but hate to entertain.

 

[Pop Daddy]

I always just had 1-3 people Im close with, I freak out when there are a lot of people