The problem with being a social butterfly is that sometimes things get quiet. I have always been a loner and have to work up to being part of a group. When I do extend myself and find no one has the time: I feel isolated.
I am reminded of the story of the turtle who occasionally stuck his head out of his shell. Something always seemed to be happening. He decides to keep his head out all day and gets disappointed. There are times when it is boring and nothing is happening. There are times when friends rush by and say they are busy or just turn away. His perspective has changed but the world is the same. It takes time for him to adjust and accept reality.
I have been feeling like that turtle. Blogs I read don't get updated, email goes unanswered, and IM links die, and my world seems to get smaller and smaller.
Part of the problem is that the pace of my online life has changed. As I try to be available for people I expect more from others. Of course that doesn't work.
My biggest adjustment is recognizing and accepting that I care what happens to others.
Lo and behold the loner came out of his shell enough to feel a little pained when people don't have time. It is strange to actually acknowledge people at all!
If being social is an addiction then I must be going through withdrawal symptoms. :)
Update: I wrote this quite a few hours ago. Since then I have helped an online friend with a problem and talked to another.
I also got a note from Barrow saying they liked my podcast. Woo hoo!
6 comments:
Chin up! :D
You know what they say, "When I find my self in times of trouble... let it be."
Thanks guys. AM it's never over in blogland. This morning I thought of this post and said "I should have some cheese to go with my whine."
Never have expectations of people. They'll surprise and disappoint you second by second.
Joel - I would disagree with you but sometimes...
Keith - :)
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