I personally detest large crowds because they are so impersonal. I'm not good at small talk -- it bores me -- and generally, in large groups, that's all that's available in terms of conversation. 3 to 4 people is usually my max. I"d rather learn quirky, intimate things about someone and feel that they are interested enough in me to trust me with such tidbits, than sit around and find out what people's weekend plans are. I find it's also a *better* way to make friends with new people. (At least for me.)
A perfect summary of how I view larger groups as well, Annasea. 
You are
most welcome, David! (Sorry I didn't notice this sooner; I just found this now.)
If I can backtrack for a moment . . .
I sometimes (most of the time, in fact) feel like I don't fit in. I wish I did. I feel social pressure, especially as a single 39 year old, to fit into some societal "norm", and that's simply not me.
I understand, David, what you write about wanting to *fit in* -- life
seems to be much easier when your interests and traits mesh with the masses -- but I'd hate to think that you feel that you don't fit in due largely in part to your introverted nature.
Like you, I often feel that I don't fit in. I feel awkward.
This quote of Twinklez's is in direct response to a post of yours. You see, even extroverts feel that they don't always *fit in*.
What does *fit in* mean anyway?
Think exactly like others? Have the exact same interests? Be just like everyone else? What a bland, dull, predictable world it would be!!!
The problem is not that one doesn't *fit in*, but that one may experience intolerance or ridicule for being *different*. Usually those that taunt, tease, or criticise have either experienced the same feelings in the past, or are insecure with their own selves, so they unleash those negative feelings on others. Or maybe they can't understand how people can be different from them because they've always been *lemmings* and have followed others their whole lives; they've never really questioned anything.
Either way, David, just keep being true to yourself! If you feel like heading out to a cocktail party or joing a dating website, go for it! If you feel like camping or hiking, do that too! Take life as it comes with little or no expectations other than keeping yourself happy. I like to think as long as one's mindset is *open* -- regardless of the activities one engages in -- one greatly increase the chances of meeting that special *someone*. (writes the seemingly chronic single woman!
)
Edited by annasea, 01 August 2005 - 03:49 AM.
