Some people "get" me, and like me. In fact, quite a lot of people do. And other people, well, they just don't get me. I will be the first to admit that I am opinionated and socially awkward, with the latter intensified in large groups of folks I'm not used to spending time with on a regular basis.
Generally, the people that get me (friends and friendly acquaintances) are people who have hung out with me one-on-one, and/or in groups of 4-5 people. When people get to know me in this context, I am more relaxed and the real me shines through better. People get to appreciate how laid back I am, and what my values are, what I stand for, etc. They don't notice or don't mind that I am socially awkward because they develop a sense of respect for me. They agree with some of my opinions or don't mind that I'm opinionated because, well, everyone is to some extent.
The people that don't "get" me are people who have never spent time with me one-on-one, or never been around me when I am more relaxed, or in a smaller group of people. They have only seen my weaker points and they don't notice or care about who I truly am as a human being. Some people tend to form snap judgments, especially if they have been drinking or they are people who have short fuses to begin with. Especially if they hear a comment taken out of context, or something is misinterpreted before I can explain what I meant.
And you know what? So be it. Most people, even perfectly sane individuals, feel nervous in groups to some extent. Some people hardly speak much at all for this reason. Many people are constantly drinking or doing drugs to make it easier for them to have a good time and socialize, not that there's anything necessarily wrong with that. Even people who like parties can have a hard time being around people for 3 days solid. It can make other people irritable, especially if they haven't been sleeping well. Some people take that irritability out on the first person who sets them off, and well, that's their prerogative. I'm certainly not perfect, but I don't take my anger out on anyone else.
Life is not a popularity contest. I always do my best to be friendly and respectful, even to people who don't like me. At the end of the day, I go to bed satisfied by that. I am a pacifist, and I believe in always trying to keep the peace. If I push peoples' buttons without realizing it or meaning it, well, that's a shame. But you know, however people react is on their shoulders, not mine.
This spring and summer have held a lot of changes for me. I used to be very withdrawn and isolated myself a lot. Since I moved in with friends of mine, I have made an effort to come out of my shell a lot and be more social. I have made lots of new friends lately because of that, and that makes me very happy! So, you know what? You win some and you lose some. I guess what pleases me is that I have the ability to shrug things off.
Generally, the people that get me (friends and friendly acquaintances) are people who have hung out with me one-on-one, and/or in groups of 4-5 people. When people get to know me in this context, I am more relaxed and the real me shines through better. People get to appreciate how laid back I am, and what my values are, what I stand for, etc. They don't notice or don't mind that I am socially awkward because they develop a sense of respect for me. They agree with some of my opinions or don't mind that I'm opinionated because, well, everyone is to some extent.
The people that don't "get" me are people who have never spent time with me one-on-one, or never been around me when I am more relaxed, or in a smaller group of people. They have only seen my weaker points and they don't notice or care about who I truly am as a human being. Some people tend to form snap judgments, especially if they have been drinking or they are people who have short fuses to begin with. Especially if they hear a comment taken out of context, or something is misinterpreted before I can explain what I meant.
And you know what? So be it. Most people, even perfectly sane individuals, feel nervous in groups to some extent. Some people hardly speak much at all for this reason. Many people are constantly drinking or doing drugs to make it easier for them to have a good time and socialize, not that there's anything necessarily wrong with that. Even people who like parties can have a hard time being around people for 3 days solid. It can make other people irritable, especially if they haven't been sleeping well. Some people take that irritability out on the first person who sets them off, and well, that's their prerogative. I'm certainly not perfect, but I don't take my anger out on anyone else.
Life is not a popularity contest. I always do my best to be friendly and respectful, even to people who don't like me. At the end of the day, I go to bed satisfied by that. I am a pacifist, and I believe in always trying to keep the peace. If I push peoples' buttons without realizing it or meaning it, well, that's a shame. But you know, however people react is on their shoulders, not mine.
This spring and summer have held a lot of changes for me. I used to be very withdrawn and isolated myself a lot. Since I moved in with friends of mine, I have made an effort to come out of my shell a lot and be more social. I have made lots of new friends lately because of that, and that makes me very happy! So, you know what? You win some and you lose some. I guess what pleases me is that I have the ability to shrug things off.
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And camping sounds awesome. I love camping but I only get to go when I get to take leave back home to cali. Alaska is way too fucking wild for that. Also, if I were to get drunk I'd get half retarded ideas I could take a bear, or if not, die trying, with my bare hands. Have a lot fun?