Reply #89: Being yourself ... [View All]

[RoyGBiv]

One line I wish I had made in my lengthy comments is something the effect of what you say there because, in my mind, this is absolutely the fundamental truth that runs through all this.

The more one gets involved in what goes on here, assuming that involvement is accomplished from a position of sincerity and openness, the more one is noticed and accepted, the more one "belongs." I'm not a very social person, and I realize this. It doesn't stop me from feeling a bit left out at parties, but I do know deep down that if I'd just get up off my ass and introduce myself, act like a human being, and try to get to know people, I'd not be left out any longer. A lot of people approach social situations from a passive aggressive standpoint and almost demand others to invite them into their circles. I know this because I do it. But, good luck with that. It doesn't work very well, as I also know. You may find an enabler or two among the crowd, but at some point you have to stop relying on that and actually stand on your own feet.

What's funny (ironic) here is that this post of mine seems to be acting something as proof of this concept. I never expected much of a response to it, least of all the positive ones I have received. (The shock of seeing a (5) next to a message in My Posts when I got home was almost overwhelming. :-)) What's more, I never expected some of the people who have responded to respond, all names I have noticed, admired, and know as part of the crowd here, but people with whom I have personally had very little interaction. I've always "known" you, for instance. I love your rose. We've just rarely crossed paths on mutually interesting topics.