I've never made a secret of the fact that I'm something of a hermit; I enjoy the company of others, but I'm just as content at home, by myself.
In recent times I've been obliged to attend a certain number of social gatherings. The invitations were answered on my behalf, and whereas I would normally have relied on my Bunbury to find a plausible excuse, I have been obliged to accept in absentia.
On such occasions I find myself asking the question 'What would I really like to be doing instead of being here, with all these people (most of whom I don't know)?'
Usually the answer is predictable. Other than being at home with a glass of wine, I would much rather be with just a couple of really good friends, enjoying simple banter, and putting the world to rights.
This is probably epitomised by sitting at a corner table, in a favourite restaurant or bar, with my old mate Jock. In the few years that we fraternised, we must have downed thousands of bottles of wine, shared hundreds of wonderful meals, and solved every problem known to mankind. At least, that's how it seemed, and it suited me fine.
I don't know why, but I've really begun to dislike large social gatherings. Maybe it's a question of age.
I'm with you Cro - I agree it's probably an age thing.
ReplyDeleteI feel exactly the same and I revel in my own hermit status. Some of us are solitary by nature but those who are more gregarious don’t always understand. I enjoy the company of close family and friends but will run a mile from a large social gathering.
ReplyDeleteMe too. I can't be bothered, I don't get asked any more. I have forgotten how to get dressed up.
ReplyDeleteI have not been to town for two years and for the last year I have ventured no further than five kms from my place. I guess that makes me a bit if a recluse too!
ReplyDeleteI just heard on the radio last night about the huge numbers of Portuguese who are emigrating to Angola. They make wonderful builders!
Deleteyep me too, but it's mainly because I can't be bothered to scrub up and wear proper shoes LOL
ReplyDeleteI share you view - better to be able to really talk with one or two friends, than saying smiling 'blablabla' to oh so many. But I don't think its a question of age. More of individuality.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you. I like my own company too. Sue
ReplyDeleteCro,
ReplyDeleteThe place is a building site. Interesting to see the Pork and Cheese returning after their mad exodus in 1975 but they will be hard pushed to outnumber the Chinese. Apart from mine (and I am using Filipinos), there are three construction sites in the village all stafffed by Chinese. They must make up 30% of the village population. They have taught us, and I spell this how it sounds, that Good Morning or Hello is Me Haow. For all I know they are taking the mick and we are actually saying 'me tosser'. Good builders though and fast.
Have to hold my hand up and say I hate social gatherings too. So many of the comments above agree. Perhaps we should all get together!
ReplyDeleteI hate 'em too!!!! So if everyone here hates them, does ANYBODY like big social gatherings? And if everyone hates 'em, why do they exist? Maybe everyone just THINKS other people like them... Hmmmm.... something to ponder.
ReplyDeleteI've never been much of a party-goer either, Cro - save for a brief flirtation with class A drugs which made them (and me) seem more attractive. When I lived on my own in the middle of nowhere, I had a much more active social life than I do now. People had to make the effort to visit, and were well rewarded for doing so, with a four hour Sunday lunch.
ReplyDeleteI intensely dislike large social gatherings, so much artificial nonsense, so many false words. I LOVE being a hermit.
ReplyDeleteYou're definitely not alone, Cro. And you have such a great setting for that kind of lifestyle with all the open land and two pups by your side, who are probably more interesting than most people! I like going to a small concert once in a while, or a bookstore event, but mostly home is the place for me.
ReplyDeleteAs Cathy asks - who DOES like them?
ReplyDeleteMy favourite form of entertaining has been a dinner party for 6 at the most. Even with that small number it's challenging to have a meaningful conversation with everyone during the course of the evening.
And as for being at home, just the two of us - I've never had difficulty with that!
I am with you Cro - what more enjoyable than your own company with a glass of wine and a good book, or when feeling really adventurous, meeting and dining with a few good friends.
ReplyDeleteAge has probably something to do with it (for some) - but for me - this has always been me.
Anna :o]
Tom's right. When you live in the middle of nowhere as I do, you have to make a real effort to socialise, so you choose carefully where and with whom you do so. Those are the occasions I enjoy. Big dos and loud parties? Not any more.
ReplyDeleteIts age, Mr. M. I am not a social creature especially around here. You have to have social status or a large bank account or a certain family name to get on the A list here.
ReplyDeleteThat is fine with me, I would rather be home, with wine, cheese, book, and good music.
Have a wonderful weekend, to you and the lovely Lady M.
The thing about large social gatherings is, you never get to have a meaningful conversation with anyone. It can be the the most lonely experience. Much, much better to have a meaningful gathering of a few friends, or one of two, where there is the ability to connect, engage and be yourself. And no bothering with the fancy clothes, either.
ReplyDeleteI have never enjoyed parties - a bit apprehensive about a wedding I must attend in March.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on this one Cro, dislike large social gatherings, exchanging endless meaningless conversation, with one eye on the clock at all times.
ReplyDeleteMuch rather share the company of a friend and a nice glass of wine.
~Jo
I am also the same way. I don' t know if it's age related, or just how 'we' are. Someone told me years ago that I was an 'introvert.' I looked it up and have found myself in the description that said that an introvert is someone who is energized by spending time alone. We are often found in our homes, libraries, quiet parks that not many people know about, or other secluded places, introverts like to think and be alone. Some introverts are shy (I tend to be that way) but 'we' do have great social lives and love talking to friends but just need some time to be alone to "recharge" afterwards. Maybe you find yourself in that description Cro....
ReplyDeleteSpot on!
DeleteI don't know anyone who is comfortable in large gatherings. They are impersonal and awkward. I'd rather eat dirt than attend an occasion where I am a stranger and out of place. However, I am never happier than when I am in the company of friends and family who I love. I am not good alone and need my friendships. As I grow older, I have found it easier to accept a more limited social life, and I sometimes have to push myself to accept invitations, but I know they are an opportunity to engage more in life, so I take the chance. I have little to lose and there is the possibility that I may enjoy myself.
ReplyDeleteI do, though, enjoy my time alone and the choices that all the free time I have allows ne.
My husband could have wrote this post!!!
ReplyDeleteAnother introvert here. Himself otoh, loves big gatherings and works the room like a politician.
ReplyDelete