12-28-2011, 01:45 PM
This is how I deal with the situation:
I consciously decide how much time I will allot to "socializing." Socializing includes for me any interaction with people (family, friends, acquaintances, business). It is a small portion of my life (for me). I gladly give my time to this, as I have already agreed to do it. So I don't worry that I'm wasting my time talking about inane things like TV shows I've never heard of, and if I can, I turn conversations to things that really matter to me (but if I don't, again, I have already agreed to spend the time).
I also know that as I interact with others, I share a little of my out-of-the-box thinking. I also engage with others and their passions as much as possible to heighten the joy factor, even if they are things I don't agree with (unless it's sport hunting or something like that, and then I will express my own opinion).
My advice is to set boundaries for how much time you will spend with friends/family, and then allow them to just be themselves during these times. But allow yourself to stand in your truth as well. I don't "party" anymore, and I am a vegetarian. I will be in a group and politely refuse to partake, or politely explain that I don't eat meat. I get all kinds of flack and rude comments, but I endeavor not to be personally affronted. It's not always easy, but it is what it is, and I endeavor to be true to my intentions while not shutting out the world.
I consciously decide how much time I will allot to "socializing." Socializing includes for me any interaction with people (family, friends, acquaintances, business). It is a small portion of my life (for me). I gladly give my time to this, as I have already agreed to do it. So I don't worry that I'm wasting my time talking about inane things like TV shows I've never heard of, and if I can, I turn conversations to things that really matter to me (but if I don't, again, I have already agreed to spend the time).
I also know that as I interact with others, I share a little of my out-of-the-box thinking. I also engage with others and their passions as much as possible to heighten the joy factor, even if they are things I don't agree with (unless it's sport hunting or something like that, and then I will express my own opinion).
My advice is to set boundaries for how much time you will spend with friends/family, and then allow them to just be themselves during these times. But allow yourself to stand in your truth as well. I don't "party" anymore, and I am a vegetarian. I will be in a group and politely refuse to partake, or politely explain that I don't eat meat. I get all kinds of flack and rude comments, but I endeavor not to be personally affronted. It's not always easy, but it is what it is, and I endeavor to be true to my intentions while not shutting out the world.