Randy

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solitaire
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Randy
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Rossville, IN
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Par For The Course

Life & Events > Relationships > Social Groups
 

Social Groups

I happened across an old friend yesterday, and I got to thinking (no comments, please!): I've been involved with a lot of social groups over the years.

This guy was from a church I used to go to (25 years ago). Church socialization is an important reason why people attend. Of course, social groups are usually based on shared likes or values.

I have, and have had, several golfing groups to enjoy playing golf with. When walking for 3-4 hours, there's much to share about your life (remember Pastor Ed?)

And, of course, one has an immediate family, a genetic social group. My family is gathering at my house this weekend for a cookout.

I can extend my "social" contacts to my neighbors, albeit far apart distance-wise. For the most part, we at least wave and speak to each other.

I used to have Lions Club members as a social group.

Wilderness Volunteers outings allow me to participate in a common cause with fellow "environmentalists".

And while I don't have actual gatherings, I have joined organizations with shared hobbies and "persuasions". I'm thinking gardening, running, jazz (and classical), even atheism.

Despite the fact that I live alone, I have many different cliques (if you will) with which to share my life. Of course, I have you all, my mybloggers friends. I think of your lives, and your interests, be it knitting or traveling or "royalty" or painting or just plain family. We are yet connected by the need to be social.

Tell us about your social groups. And have a super day, whether alone or together with loved ones.

posted on June 8, 2011 4:46 AM ()

Comments:

Nope--the rest of the group couldn't keep pace with me--plus some moved, some died and each time I moved I lost a few more!
comment by greatmartin on June 9, 2011 3:07 PM ()
I don't have any social groups aside from my mybloggers friends, and it's troubling to me in a minor way.
comment by troutbend on June 8, 2011 8:22 PM ()
Now that you mention it, I don't recall you talking much about "socialization", at least with groups. That's what you get for being isolated in the middle of the Rockies!
reply by solitaire on June 9, 2011 1:57 PM ()
My social groups:
1. Work
2. Exercise classes
3. Parents of kid's friends
4. Family
5. MyBloggers
6. High school (Facebook only)

Actual # of friends: 1
Friends lost in the past few years: 1 (too busy to be my friend)
Friendship I'm trying to cultivate, but she's too busy with other stuff: 1
People I'd like to be friends with, but we somehow don't click: 2
People I've deliberately unfriended: 2
comment by crazylife on June 8, 2011 7:58 PM ()
Yes, you've had your share of ups and downs when it comes to "friends". Sometimes one has to work at it, but it's better when it comes naturally. I have a lot of friends, but perhaps they aren't particularly close. I don't mind.
reply by solitaire on June 9, 2011 1:54 PM ()
Just been thinking I need to find more, besides my fiction writing group, for socialization. That red hat group reminds me of the Silly Hat Sect in a kids' book by Daniel Pinkwater.
comment by drmaus on June 8, 2011 3:26 PM ()
The trouble with joining groups is they might "volunteer" you into actually getting involved! Then it becomes work, and who needs that?!!
reply by solitaire on June 9, 2011 1:51 PM ()
Mostly my social is at the club.
Tennis and Tai Chi,Zumba.
But here at home none.
Not their fault but ours.
Mike is not the one,and I of course loved it.
But it is very limited due to my hearing loss.
Which is fine.Don not mind.At times it is nice for me just to reflect.
Good for you and keepsocializingg.
comment by fredo on June 8, 2011 9:54 AM ()
As active as you seem to be, who needs social "clubs"?!! Be well, my friend.
reply by solitaire on June 9, 2011 1:49 PM ()
Hm, I have the USCG Auxiliary and the Red Hats. That is about it for me. I need to socialize more!
comment by dragonflyby on June 8, 2011 8:58 AM ()
I think you have your hands full with what you participate in.
reply by solitaire on June 9, 2011 1:47 PM ()
Well of course ever since I gave up my Wednesday afternoons orgy group I'm not involved in any groups--except for that I never was a group joiner!
comment by greatmartin on June 8, 2011 6:56 AM ()
Since I didn't see a "roll eyes" emoticon, I'm assuming you're serious! What, too old to have to "give it up"?
reply by solitaire on June 9, 2011 1:46 PM ()
At the present time, I am under socialized because of Ted's illness. I have my antique club and the friends from there and this blog which I
enjoy enormously. You are all just a click away.
comment by elderjane on June 8, 2011 6:42 AM ()
And I'm sure you're not anti-social! Circumstances can dictate socialization patterns.
reply by solitaire on June 9, 2011 1:44 PM ()
I make acquaintances along my walking/biking route. I am gregarious and will stop to talk with someone, especially if they are walking a dog. Sometimes these encounters evolve into friendships. I don't participate in any organized groups, definitely no church, not yoga, which I tried, but too annoying to get to, no health club (I get the same results with my routines and don't pay for them) no hobby clubs. Dancing in New York was special that way, particularly when I first started out. I still know those people. Work was great; I have several friends from my working life, from Harper & Row and from The Times. And my GTF has introduced me to her friends and they are great. The art class was filled with elderly wannabes and even when they were good artists, they weren't interesting in other ways. Tis enough, t'will suffice.
comment by tealstar on June 8, 2011 5:15 AM ()
You have your own social group--yourself! Maybe Ed can be included--plus your cats!
reply by solitaire on June 9, 2011 1:43 PM ()

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