Being Social

Among other things, this is not something that has helped compose my recent activities.

There are a few fundamental attributes of the human race that seem to astound sociologists. The ability to communicate on such a complex scale as we do is one of those items. That we can quickly articulate our thoughts and feelings and simultaneously interpret this conveyance by others is taken for granted by many, counting myself among this group. Indeed, the success of society and social groups is almost primarily dependent on this communication. It is surprising to me, then, that some like myself could drift from this practice of communication.

It appears uncommon for people to become wholly antagonistic to conversation altogether. This is not what I am talking about. The antisocial tendency I see myself slipping into is a nonchalance, an antipathy to friend making and friendly chatting.

Do I love friends?
Absolutely.
Do I want to meet new people?
Sure.
Am I going to do anything about it?
Well, no.

You see, I am the kind of person who is going to get things done. I have a board full of things to do, and I'm going to do them. Friends kind of... come after that. Yet when those things are done I don't have a particularly large and active friend circle to occupy my time with, so I get ahead on my list of things to do. The cycle continues and I don't care much as long as I'm busy.

It's the weekends that get me thinking it's about time to reach out.

This attitude and tendency I am talking about is not only different from the human trend, it also shields those that employ it's wiles from the magnificence of societal mingling. When the prideful or fearful barrier that individuals maintain is forfeited they can be free to explore the diversity of humankind, with the many ideologies and interactions that people offer. Truly, there is no boundary that prevents new friendships from being made except those invented by the individual. Sadly, it seems that these barriers pervade public groups.

These barriers are inside me. They are firmly entrenched.

The goal, then, is to move beyond our boundaries. I believe that this could be done instantly, but is most likely to occur gradually and with the help of someone we already trust. We must first commit to do it and then start out small. Like all goals, a clear and achievable outline and someone to account to can make us more effective in achieving success.

Do I believe that the benefits of increased social interaction outweigh the mental championing required to do so?

Why not? The mind is free and self-improvement always has residual benefits.