fallen camarade
16th September 2004, 13:48
PLEASE READ, AND PLEASE POST. ANSWERS ARE VERY NECESSARY.
I realize that this is not as deep as other conversations going on in here, and it's more sociology than philosophy, but if you are going to make such strong decisions about such things as metaphysics and theology, than I guess I can assume that you all can conquer something as small as simple human interaction.
I have known for quite some time now, that everyone is basically the same in the USA. We live in a very egocentric society, and thus, everyone thinks they are special. However, recently, I have come up with my own personal slogan that has been entertaining to friends, as well as somewhat informative; "You are not special". It's that simple. Everyone is the same. You walk in any public place, and everyone talks about the same things. They laugh at basically the same things, do the same things...there is very little truly unique things that americans do or say. The so called "individuals" are usually just exact replicas of other self-righteous fools that think they know everything; hence the reason I haven't come on this site in a while. I've had some bad experiences with overly egotistical ignoraemouses in here (please excuse my spelling).
However, that's not the point really. I am a college student, fairly fresh to the environment. I go to a community college, and am surrounded with new social possibilities. I am very socially ananlytical, and that may either be my downfall, or may be a blessing, but at the rate I'm going, it's probably not a good thing.
In high school, I had no enemys. I didn't think that I was all to special, but my friends would rain down compliments on me when I would question myself and what I was worth. They would say that no one hates me, and that people seem drawn to me, but I wasn't so sure I believed that. I had a fear of college, because despite what others said, I knew I had issues with interaction. Keep in mind at all times, that I know that everyone is the same. Keep in mind my slogan. I think everyone is a little different, but not so much that anyone is truly unapproachable. I've learned to expand "the ego" into multiple settings, so I can truly be open to anything. I suppose I will not be able to fully capture what I feel about people and interaction in this post, but regardless, my thoughts on people should allow me to speak to anyone without fear, and to be able to successfully communicate; possibly even have a friend.
What I don't get, is why am I failing at this. I've met a few interesting people, but not many, and I want to have as many people I can openly have conversations with as possible. I know it sounds like I'm just some insecure college student, but I think differently than I feel when talking to people. I know that people detect comfort and confidence nearly immediately, and I realize how important the first interaction with someone is. I should have no problems, but I do. I just don't understand what it is that creates such difficulty between people when it comes to interaction, especially at my age and stage of life. I try so much, but find it hard to create anything concrete. Having aquaintances is a good thing, but it's not so great to have ONLY aquaintances.
I think all of the time. My head is in a constant analysis of everything; if I could stop this introverted thinking for even just brief periods of time, I would, but I can't. I understand what needs to be done, but can't do it. Or if I do give it a shot, it dosen't go over well. People suggest to ask questions like "where did you go to school before this?", "Where are you from?", "What is your major?", and other such questions, but I've seen that they only greaten the distance between you and that person. From my recent observations, I've found that the one concrete way of creating a stable relationship automatically, is through humor. Laughing and joking when first meeting someone creates a sort of feeling of comfort, and you automatically feel as if this person has been your friend for years. Problem is, knowing that, and analyzing that, I'm likely to force humor out of me to interact, which therefore makes whatever I say not funny, and creates an akward feeling. This is a problem.
This whole post may be out of place, but it is philosophy to me. It is very important to me to understand these things, and apply them successfully so they, at some point, become second nature. I need to understand this. I need to master the art of interaction. It is one of the few things that will make me truly happy in this world. I'm tired of dwelling on this. I'm not insanely odd, and people I know, friends and people I don't know to well alike, find me to be an interesting person, and I have the knowledge to go forth and create success with this, so what is going wrong?! I just can't piece it together, so I'm requesting help from an intellectual community for assistance. I won't post personal fodder like this anymore. I usually focus on more important things, but I just need this so much. I need to solve it, and I need help to get there, so please lend a hand. It's very much appreciated.
I realize that this is not as deep as other conversations going on in here, and it's more sociology than philosophy, but if you are going to make such strong decisions about such things as metaphysics and theology, than I guess I can assume that you all can conquer something as small as simple human interaction.
I have known for quite some time now, that everyone is basically the same in the USA. We live in a very egocentric society, and thus, everyone thinks they are special. However, recently, I have come up with my own personal slogan that has been entertaining to friends, as well as somewhat informative; "You are not special". It's that simple. Everyone is the same. You walk in any public place, and everyone talks about the same things. They laugh at basically the same things, do the same things...there is very little truly unique things that americans do or say. The so called "individuals" are usually just exact replicas of other self-righteous fools that think they know everything; hence the reason I haven't come on this site in a while. I've had some bad experiences with overly egotistical ignoraemouses in here (please excuse my spelling).
However, that's not the point really. I am a college student, fairly fresh to the environment. I go to a community college, and am surrounded with new social possibilities. I am very socially ananlytical, and that may either be my downfall, or may be a blessing, but at the rate I'm going, it's probably not a good thing.
In high school, I had no enemys. I didn't think that I was all to special, but my friends would rain down compliments on me when I would question myself and what I was worth. They would say that no one hates me, and that people seem drawn to me, but I wasn't so sure I believed that. I had a fear of college, because despite what others said, I knew I had issues with interaction. Keep in mind at all times, that I know that everyone is the same. Keep in mind my slogan. I think everyone is a little different, but not so much that anyone is truly unapproachable. I've learned to expand "the ego" into multiple settings, so I can truly be open to anything. I suppose I will not be able to fully capture what I feel about people and interaction in this post, but regardless, my thoughts on people should allow me to speak to anyone without fear, and to be able to successfully communicate; possibly even have a friend.
What I don't get, is why am I failing at this. I've met a few interesting people, but not many, and I want to have as many people I can openly have conversations with as possible. I know it sounds like I'm just some insecure college student, but I think differently than I feel when talking to people. I know that people detect comfort and confidence nearly immediately, and I realize how important the first interaction with someone is. I should have no problems, but I do. I just don't understand what it is that creates such difficulty between people when it comes to interaction, especially at my age and stage of life. I try so much, but find it hard to create anything concrete. Having aquaintances is a good thing, but it's not so great to have ONLY aquaintances.
I think all of the time. My head is in a constant analysis of everything; if I could stop this introverted thinking for even just brief periods of time, I would, but I can't. I understand what needs to be done, but can't do it. Or if I do give it a shot, it dosen't go over well. People suggest to ask questions like "where did you go to school before this?", "Where are you from?", "What is your major?", and other such questions, but I've seen that they only greaten the distance between you and that person. From my recent observations, I've found that the one concrete way of creating a stable relationship automatically, is through humor. Laughing and joking when first meeting someone creates a sort of feeling of comfort, and you automatically feel as if this person has been your friend for years. Problem is, knowing that, and analyzing that, I'm likely to force humor out of me to interact, which therefore makes whatever I say not funny, and creates an akward feeling. This is a problem.
This whole post may be out of place, but it is philosophy to me. It is very important to me to understand these things, and apply them successfully so they, at some point, become second nature. I need to understand this. I need to master the art of interaction. It is one of the few things that will make me truly happy in this world. I'm tired of dwelling on this. I'm not insanely odd, and people I know, friends and people I don't know to well alike, find me to be an interesting person, and I have the knowledge to go forth and create success with this, so what is going wrong?! I just can't piece it together, so I'm requesting help from an intellectual community for assistance. I won't post personal fodder like this anymore. I usually focus on more important things, but I just need this so much. I need to solve it, and I need help to get there, so please lend a hand. It's very much appreciated.