Social Butterfly
Perhaps it's because from an early age, I was out and about at all my older siblings events, or maybe because I grew up with a big extended family that lived close and got together, or maybe it's just that I tend to have an extrovert personality. Whatever the reason, I like to be with other people, and not just the ones that I live with everyday. (Don't get me wrong. I love JT and Jer, but sometimes I need other people to be with!)
Even before the move, I was anticipating loneliness and really missing our friends. Admittedly, friendship goes across miles, often even oceans, especially with the help of e-mail, texting and great cell phone plans. However, I realized over the weekend, when we didn't really have any social plans, that in addition to (or maybe even more specifically) that I was missing social interaction with those friends. Our weekends (or sometimes weeks) often involved grabbing a bite with another couple/family, getting together for a quick celebration of something, taking a walk at lunch hour, or me hitting the mall or Target with a friend.
It's actually been refreshing to more closely identify this point of frustration and loneliness for me. However, it's also hard to further realize that someone 15 minutes away isn't calling us up for pizza any time soon. Yes, relationships might come to us but they take time.
Who knew understanding yourself better could feel like such an epiphany?
PS- I think the need for social interaction and more varied people may also be something that has been a major adjustment for Jer. He's used to seeing every Tom, Dick and Harry at the grocery, park or town restaurant.
Even before the move, I was anticipating loneliness and really missing our friends. Admittedly, friendship goes across miles, often even oceans, especially with the help of e-mail, texting and great cell phone plans. However, I realized over the weekend, when we didn't really have any social plans, that in addition to (or maybe even more specifically) that I was missing social interaction with those friends. Our weekends (or sometimes weeks) often involved grabbing a bite with another couple/family, getting together for a quick celebration of something, taking a walk at lunch hour, or me hitting the mall or Target with a friend.
It's actually been refreshing to more closely identify this point of frustration and loneliness for me. However, it's also hard to further realize that someone 15 minutes away isn't calling us up for pizza any time soon. Yes, relationships might come to us but they take time.
Who knew understanding yourself better could feel like such an epiphany?
PS- I think the need for social interaction and more varied people may also be something that has been a major adjustment for Jer. He's used to seeing every Tom, Dick and Harry at the grocery, park or town restaurant.
posted by MJ at
7:40 AM
3 Comments:
totally been there, Marla, I know exactly where you are coming from. It just takes time ( I know easier said then done). Get involved in the local library system for read-aloud programs, etc, ask around about playgroups, etc, that is how I learned to deal while in Hillsboro, and I really did find some life long friends there. Hang in there!!!!
By
the Voelker's, At
11:03 AM
In a matter of time you will have some new friends! :) I agree -- libraries, playgroups, mom's groups, PEO, john's colleagues who might have kids, etc. You could even organize an impromptu picnic with the families on your street, etc. You might have to extend the invites for a while, but before long, your phone will be ringing off the hook. You're such a likable person that I think you will make a lot of friends. Even finding a hair dresser and a massage therapist, or a pedicure lady ... people to talk to ... are good sources of relief! Hugs! (And, you can road trip to Ohio any time you guys want to get away for some friendship!)
By
badger girl, At
9:54 AM
Marla, I have been dealing with some of the same issues. A bit of a coincidence that you posted this, because Eric & I were wondering what the Todd's were up to this weekend, and were wondering if you wanted to get together. You are welcome to visit Geneseo, or if you don't want to make that long of a trip, we would be happy to meet you in Davenport for lunch/diner... even a trip to Target :)
By
Jano Fabulous, At
1:53 PM
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