Last night I went out with a friend to a local bar. It’s known for its pool.
I wouldn’t consider myself a great pool player, but I’m not terrible, either.
The place actually offered a few other things as well. There was a restaurant/bar area where you could sit down and have a conversation or meal with someone. This area was probably the quietest in the place. There was also a bar and dance floor in the back.
Since I hadn’t been to this place in awhile I wanted to walk around and see what it was like.
After we did a circle, we grabbed a drink in the back bar. There were probably about 30 people in line. But the line turned over relatively quickly.
As we were waiting in line, I turned around and watched people in the dancing area. About half of the people were dancing, laughing, and interacting with others. The other half was sitting down. Some were engaged in a conversation with another person (though this must have been difficult given the loud music), while others were watching people or seemed distracted by their mobile devices.
As I was just beginning to think more about this my friend tapped me on my shoulder and motioned me over to the pool area.
The first two games we played were uneventful. Though, I won both!
But during the third game I glanced over at the dancing area and began thinking about something.
I began observing different things. I noticed that the majority of people there were dressed nicely. No one seemed to be wearing the same thing. But what was interesting to me was that not everyone was interacting. I think most of the guys wanted to approach and talk to girls, but many weren’t. Many were just watching others interact. The ones who were interacting looked like they were having a good time. They were smiling and laughing. They were creating the moments that would inevitably be captured by their cameras and shared with each other later. I began thinking about this more.
For some people, I think socializing is easy. People who are social don’t seem to get overwhelmed by crowded environments or interacting with new people. Some may even thrive in such environments. But I think others posses some degree of social anxiety or discomfort. Perhaps they are unsure how to act or what to say. So they just watch.
I guess I’m primarily talking about an environment, such as a bar, where the guy is supposed to initiate conversation with the girl. I do think both sexes experience social anxiety and social comfort. But in general, I think women tend to be a little more social than guys. I think what I’m trying to say is that women are more open about their feelings and emotions.
But maybe I’m wrong about this.
Anyway, people have told me that I’m somewhat quirky and eccentric.
When I returned to focusing on playing pool, I started dancing to the music. I started moving to the beat and sang along to the songs. At times, I was using my pool stick as a prop. I’d twirl it around and toss it in the air during certain rhythms and beats of a song. And at one point I was mixing in Michael Jackson’s “Moon Walk.” I did this in between pool shots. Honestly, I’m not sure what I was thinking at the time. I wasn’t drunk. I think I was just enjoying myself. I think I tend to act quirky when I feel free. Free from mirrors. Free from struggle. Free from limitation. Because that’s when I’m me.
I’m not sure if I’d consider myself naturally social.
I do enjoy talking with people, as well as listening to other peoples’ thoughts and stories.
So maybe I am.
