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Here in the UK, on the whole, there only seems to be one place where people socialize, that is the Pub or Bar, and this is not really my scene.
I do admit that only recently in my life I have found that people also regularly go and visit relatives to chat. This may sound odd, but I didn’t realize this because I have always been an outcast. I have no Aunts or Uncles, and my Grandparents either died when I was young, or were hostile. When I tried to be sociable as a child, by trying to visit those I thought were friends, I met the response of “ we’ve got company”, and had the door slammed in my face.
It seems like we are becoming a nation of Homer Simpsons, is it different where you live?
What opportunities for a social life are there in your area?
I socialize at work during breaks and after work occasionally with my colleagues. I have one neighbor I socialize with and I belong to a women's club that provides such opportunities. I hang out with my hubby, kids, and parents when they are in town and willing and that's about it. When I was younger school friends, my workout buddy, and my dance partner were a big part of my social life, but not so much now. I guess if I had more time I'd join some kind of group or team, but free time is a luxury at this point.
I socialize anywhere and everywhere, real talk. When I'm in the gym I chit-chat after a workout while enjoying a protein shake. When I'm out to eat, I chat with the staff. I can get down with anyone in terms of conversation
I'm a single mom that works full time, so socializing is done as a part of my other normal activities. The workplace, the gym, family events, and wherever me and my BF might go.
Wherever there are people, I socialize. I smile and look into people's eyes as I walk down the street. IF they look back, I greet them. If they look away, I respect their privacy.
In the shops, I take a minute to ask how the person behind the counter is doing. If she answers more than a glum, "fine." I might comment on the weather, or the town. If she engages, we converse. If not, I move on, sincerely wishing them a nice day.
My experience is that even the best of friend's conversations are rarely more than idle chat, and give strangers the same options. If they want to participate, they can and often do. If not, it's not my problem. I assume they are busy, or mentally absorbed.
In my working life, it has always been my job (regardless of the job), to take the "pulse" of the situations at hand. I use light banter to engage people, and then assess the situation on their responses. It's proved a good tool for outside the job, too.
Even people that do not engage are left feeling that someone has been kind and inviting. Regardless of their situations, maybe that has made them feel better, whether they realized it, or not.
But don't talk to people in the street. People would think you're weird and just laugh at you, it's not the norm. I think society these days is very impersonal. We don't hang out with neighbours as much, and it's becoming uncommon to make small talk.
I make an experiment to see how many people actually talk in supermarket queues, and thus far not many. Or in buses, trains, etc. I think most people nowadays only care about those closest to them, and couldn't give a hoot about anybody else.
What opportunities for a social life are there in your area?
they usually involve the beach, or grilling food outside, or live music, or camping out in the swamp on somebody's land. people know people who know people, and we all get together and have fun.
then of course you have activities. people who surf, or kayak, or play golf, or hunt, or fish, will socialize with one another.
But don't talk to people in the street. People would think you're weird and just laugh at you, it's not the norm. I think society these days is very impersonal. We don't hang out with neighbours as much, and it's becoming uncommon to make small talk.
I make an experiment to see how many people actually talk in supermarket queues, and thus far not many. Or in buses, trains, etc. I think most people nowadays only care about those closest to them, and couldn't give a hoot about anybody else.
Such is modern society, eh?
Must be location. I have conversations with strangers all the time in supermarkets, gas stations, offices. Just this morning while I was feeding the horses, I engaged in conversation with a man walking down the road. Apparently he had a dr. appt. this afternoon and was walking to try to "get his blood surger" lowered by walking.?
In addition to clubs, we visit with neighbors, family and friends, have get togethers, socialize at local festivals, church, work, the local swimming hole, the city park, ball games and even funerals.
The only friends I have are very few I kept from HS or from work. I have no clue where to meet people. but I think I have a enough quality friends so.. *shrug* My hubby has made a couple friends from rugby. So, yeah join a club!
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