Thank you as always for such a frank, insightful and warm piece Sue. Really enjoy reading your articles/stories/experiences/observations and can relate to so many of them. ❤️
I too live in a big house in the woods with my two dogs. My first marriege ended in divorce and my second husband passed from pancreatic cancer. I have many girlfriends who come and join me to knit or stitch or just chat...they are usually getting away from their husbands for a bit. I love my alone time and don't want to be a purse or nurse to another. I doubt I would ever be willing to ask a man to coffee or anything else. Too much of an introvert. At 81 I'm pretty fit, meet many people during classes I take and am pretty secure. I like myself and how I've evolved over the years and don't regret much.
Just chiming in to say I highly recommend open mics as a place to hang out and be with people, especially if you’re an introvert. If you want to make conversation, the topics are right there! The music, who just played, who’s up next, local gigs, etc. If you just want to be in a third space and not alone but not necessarily interact, well you’re there to listen to the music and you’re not expected to talk all the time. No one will think you’re weird and awkward if you just sit sit and enjoy. I’ve made a lot of friends by being a regular at an open mic (not performing, just listening), it’s a great low/no pressure reason to get out of the house and socialize. And it’s a way to support a local small bar or café. And the artists are happy to have an audience!
Yes, yes, yes, to all of it. Thank you, Nic. You do not have to be a performer to go to an open mic, music, poetry, comedy, whatever. Audiences are needed, and yes, you can focus on the stage.
Sue, you are speaking directly to me - thank you! And I'm saying that as a married woman who lives with a (very nice) husband. There are still plenty of occasions where I could reach out more and invite someone to join me. Interestingly, my husband seems to have gotten better at this than me; he asks everyone their name and remembers stuff about them. Anyway, you've inspired me.
Hi Sue, depending on my mood in these me-time respites, I'm either extrovert engaging or hermitting into my comfort zone. It helps that in both circumstances, I relish the good food and wine I don't get to do otherwise, so the enjoyment level is already above-norm and I don't feel obliged or pressured to do more. These days there are just some people I don't have the energy for. I've become more discerning. BUT the 'ol extrovert in me loves a good conversation and exchange of experience. (we need to organise a girls day with you and Jody. FYI I'm partway through your book xo)
Thank you as always for such a frank, insightful and warm piece Sue. Really enjoy reading your articles/stories/experiences/observations and can relate to so many of them. ❤️
I too live in a big house in the woods with my two dogs. My first marriege ended in divorce and my second husband passed from pancreatic cancer. I have many girlfriends who come and join me to knit or stitch or just chat...they are usually getting away from their husbands for a bit. I love my alone time and don't want to be a purse or nurse to another. I doubt I would ever be willing to ask a man to coffee or anything else. Too much of an introvert. At 81 I'm pretty fit, meet many people during classes I take and am pretty secure. I like myself and how I've evolved over the years and don't regret much.
Hi Susan, like you, I was divorced and then widowed. The stitching and chatting sounds great. You're doing a good job. Keep it up.
Just chiming in to say I highly recommend open mics as a place to hang out and be with people, especially if you’re an introvert. If you want to make conversation, the topics are right there! The music, who just played, who’s up next, local gigs, etc. If you just want to be in a third space and not alone but not necessarily interact, well you’re there to listen to the music and you’re not expected to talk all the time. No one will think you’re weird and awkward if you just sit sit and enjoy. I’ve made a lot of friends by being a regular at an open mic (not performing, just listening), it’s a great low/no pressure reason to get out of the house and socialize. And it’s a way to support a local small bar or café. And the artists are happy to have an audience!
Yes, yes, yes, to all of it. Thank you, Nic. You do not have to be a performer to go to an open mic, music, poetry, comedy, whatever. Audiences are needed, and yes, you can focus on the stage.
Sue, you are speaking directly to me - thank you! And I'm saying that as a married woman who lives with a (very nice) husband. There are still plenty of occasions where I could reach out more and invite someone to join me. Interestingly, my husband seems to have gotten better at this than me; he asks everyone their name and remembers stuff about them. Anyway, you've inspired me.
Thank you, Debbie. Sometimes we have to nudge each other. I'm impressed that your husband remembers their names.
Hi Sue, depending on my mood in these me-time respites, I'm either extrovert engaging or hermitting into my comfort zone. It helps that in both circumstances, I relish the good food and wine I don't get to do otherwise, so the enjoyment level is already above-norm and I don't feel obliged or pressured to do more. These days there are just some people I don't have the energy for. I've become more discerning. BUT the 'ol extrovert in me loves a good conversation and exchange of experience. (we need to organise a girls day with you and Jody. FYI I'm partway through your book xo)
Hi Victoria. That sounds right. Engage when you want to and not if you don't. I'd love a girls' day with you and Jody. Thank you for reading my book.