Pointless or Straight to the Point?

How many times in life have we thought something seemed pointless, silly, or a waste of time? How many times have we been pleasantly surprised or at least able to find the humor in the whole event? A good laugh is very healthy so let’s get straight to the point.

We decided that we would like to meet some new friends (you never can have too many GOOD friends but always be sure to limit the number of energy-suckers). It is just as difficult to meet friends as an adult as it was as a child. Like children, we spend the majority of our day with a specific group of people, whether that is at work or at school. Granted that with this group of people, you have a minimum of one thing in common and thus always have something to talk about around the coffee pot… but how many coworkers do you have enough in common with to socialize away from work?

OK, so you ask, where do you find those good friends that you wouldn’t mind being stuck in a broken elevator with for 4 or 5 hours? The kind of friends that don’t need constant entertaining or babysitting? The ones that share the same amount of dork factor and similar interests, beliefs, or concerns…

We racked our minds and scoured the internet. We found an internet site where virtualized communication brings about real world meetings – strangers become friends based on similar interests… photography, kids, orientation, sports, etc… Much the same as other social networking sites in that you have a bio and can add pictures and comments, but different in that sex doesn’t appear to be foremost on everyone’s minds – at least not outwardly. Here’s the most uncommon part about it… Say for example you are going to go bowling next Saturday afternoon. You’d really prefer not to bowl alone but you’re a closet bowler and don’t dare let your coworkers know this about yourself. You can go onto this website and post your event. Other closet bowlers, newbies and league members alike then have the ability to RSVP that they would like to participate with you. You don’t know each other and maybe don’t even live in the same town… But you know two things – you both like bowling and you’ll both be at the alley on Saturday. Score! The possibility of a new friend! Technology at its finest.

But what happens when you attend an event where you feel like a fish out of water? OK first off, you can leave – there’s the door, make a quick exit excuse and be gone.

Or…

Stay and try something new. Take a deep breath and look around the room – if you look close enough you might see others with labored breathing or darting eyes. Hey, there’s something you have in common with those folks right off the bat – you’re both nervous! Strike up a conversation… You also might start to have a little fun. (Uh oh… fun AND friends?)

My point is this… make an attempt. Get out there. As pointless as it may feel, go to a gathering that maybe you wouldn’t ordinarily attend. Walk into that room of 50 other strangers, attempt to shout loud enough to make conversation with the person next to you and who knows what will happen. If it’s really that bad – LEAVE… Walk outside, go around the corner and laugh. Have a wonderful laugh that you made a solid attempt. It’s never pointless to try.