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julietsierra -> RE: How Much It Sucks (1/3/2007 9:53:47 AM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: ToGiveDivine I finally got the nerve to go to my first "munch" over the holidays and it wasn't enjoyable. I had to travel a couple of hours as there isn't much in my neck of the woods and being out of my comfort zone physically as well as mentally made me nervous. The other "subs" weren't nice as I guess they saw me as new competition and the dommes couldn't have been more UNfriendly. (yes, I left the "d" in lowercase on purpose as I don't feel they are entitled to a capital) I was made to feel like I was imposing because I was there ... whispering, pointing, laughing, etc. It was apparent they didn't want someone new which is strange since they advertised for anyone to come and "join the fun" Basically, it made me feel rather disillusioned as I really had to put aside my fears to even take this small leap of faith to actually go in the first place. I know this isn't indicative of how all people are, but it was very hurtful to treat someone new like that. Common courtesy is becoming a relic - I may want to be a sub, but that doesn't mean I'm not a person. I guess I feel I should be able to choose who is allowed to "humiliate" me, not having someone decide to do that at the first meeting. I feel farther out of the loop now than I did 4 months ago - I knew this wasn't going to be easy, but I didn't expect that kind of treatment. Here's the other side to that coin: I go to munches. I've had my difficulties becoming involved. That's ok. I've made friends and look forward to attending these functions so that they and I can catch up with each other. Making friends, being outgoing, and small talk in general is very difficult for me. When new people come in the door, I have absolutely NO idea what to say to them. The whispering and pointing IF it happens is generally due to "Look. Is she new?... who?...that girl - over there *point*... I don't know...go find out, no you go...uh uh. you were the one who noticed, you go do that. ... you know I have a hard time doing that...." and so on and so on and so on. In other words, you're not the only one with insecurities out there. Some of those very people you are accusing of being unwelcoming have just as many difficulties greeting people as you apparently did. Add to that, the fact that since I DO use munches as a way of catching up with my friends, I'm not that hard-pressed to go meet new people. I realize from your perspective that that's probably rude, but so is expecting me to give up my one night a month to carry on small-talk with someone I don't know and may or may not get along with. I recognize that that sounds selfish, but my view is that if you're here the next three months or so, I'll eventually meet you and at least, when that happens, I'm not going to lose the chance to visit with my friends on someone who may or may not be back next month. Just because some people don't consider themselves the bastions of the welcome wagon doesn't mean they're not eventually friendly or good people. And here's the other news flash: Lots of us don't think it's our job to make every new person feel like they've come "home." Some of us actually believe that entrance into all this should be a tad more difficult. When someone has to WORK at what they want, it tends to demonstrate that they WANT to be here and are not just visiting as if they're off to the zoo to see the odd animals there. So...now that that's said... Go back. Do it again.And again and again and again. Show that this is something you want. Demonstrate that you are here for the long haul. And just like in any other social setting, eventually, people will come to know you, like you and be your friend. And if on down the road, you feel that your chosen duty is to be the welcome wagon, well then, more power to you. I think that's great. I really do. It's just not me. juliet
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