Yesterday, I watched a video and it prompted me to then listen to a lecture from the author of Bowling Alone. This book researches the decline of social connectedness in America. He describes that American communities are weakening as a result.
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So here I am feeling guilty that I am probably going to spend the majority of my long weekend watching sports and playing video games. I have a living situation that I’ve been the most content with in my life, so I’ve greatly enjoyed spending time there.
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I am not isolated either. I have good relationships and have made friendships with my co-workers. So lately I want to spend time alone in my quiet apartment and I feel rejuvenated. I do get out as well to do chores, go to the gym, and occasionally do something fun usually with friends or family.
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In my opinion, this is a fine temperament for now, but over the years my extroverted/introvertedness changes. When I was in college, I pretty much wanted to be around people whenever I could, but when I graduated I felt very lonely. Eventually, I moved for work and was forced to live with a grumpy old man that disliked me because of different values, a micromanager of a boss, and coworkers I weirdly just had a hard time connecting with.
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I kind of got fired, because my boss didn’t like working with me and my supervisor, so I had to move again to my parents. They were kind of dicks about what had happened, so I didn’t like living with them either but it was an improvement. Eventually, I moved into a nice place and felt at peace being distanced from negativity.
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So I just want to hangout. People also ask if I want a girlfriend. I’ve had a few in the past, but looking back I was stressed like half the time and I don’t want to deal with that for now. Right now I am enjoying spending most of my free time this way. I do care about improving the sense of community in places, but I think it has to be done the right way, and right now I feel like that is minding my own business and being nice in general.
2 comments
If you’re happy and content, it isn’t bad.
There is a quote – oh, what was it? This quote comes from Pablo Picasso: without great solitude, no serious work is possible.
One of my hobbies I enjoy doing in solitude, is playing a musical instrument. Fast forward, I’m very good at it. So it depends. At the end of the day, just choose for yourself. All the best!