That was me all through high school (and now, to a certain degree). I would always just sorta be around my group of friends, but I wouldn't get invited to do anything that was beyond convenience. I'm not sure how much of that was just my being paranoid, how much of it was my lack of social skills, and how much of it was real ><

Wait....what the hell are we even doing up right now?

I was completely anti social in high school. I started making actual friends when I was 25, but even now it's still a new concept with me on how people act around each other.

Wish I could see you guys before I leave Sunday, but lets make it a point to visit after I get back Jan 18th :-D

Sounds like a plan - we're going to be busy with finals through next week, so it looks like it'll just have to wait >< *hugs*

I wish I could give you some hot chocolate and a warm paw to hold right now. I could probably do with that myself. I'll PM you.

Thanks Markus *hugs*

I can tell ya got a good heart though. Next time I see ya, we should hang out a bit

I'm that way living here. I always feel like the +1. If you lived here in Chicago, we'd be a two man show!

hehe that sounds good. Were you at MFF, I don't think I saw ya, or if I did it wasn't as much as I'd like to have. Hope all is going well and that we can hang out again sometime soon

I was at MFF. I can't believe I never saw you.

11 years in the fandom and I'm still not cliquish. I've always been left wandering on my own at cons when I'm in suit and out of suit. Not that I wouldn't welcome most to hang around with me and wander with me, but I just end up on my own wandering at cons.

When I fist met you, to me it seemed like you were very shy, but nowadays and especially this con, you seem to have really broken out and it was very awesome seeing that. Your a really awesome guy, and it is always nice getting to see ya and chat with ya, even if it is only for a bit here and there

Yeah, I spent too much of my furry life reserved. The last few years, things have really broken open with me. We should get a chance to chat more! :)

Being part of a group can be boring sometimes, sure I have my group of friends that I like to hang with but its rare when I get to see them all at the same time. I'm the lone wolf at a lot of cons, I like to mingle and dabble in different groups so I dont miss a beat and not have to worry about waiting on people. Sure you could label me an NY Fur or a Dancerfur but I dont like to let labels define me cause all people will do is associate you with that one group specifically. I like to stand out on my own, there's nothing wrong with being special :)

Very true indeed. Once someone has a label, it always seems really hard to change it.

Lets talk about arcitecture then so you don't feel lonely my collie friend :3

hehe Double-hung windows, Corbeling, Sanborn Maps, Wide flange, Revit, Frank Geary, T-Square, Second Empire...

Was it as good for you as it was for me? hehe

As long as I get to talk about autoCAD ^^ offset, window/door schedule, foundations, elevations, annotation length, mechanical plan.....

How bout them building materials ^^ teehee

And I just turned in ball state App. Today :D *crosses paws*

You're a pretty awesome fursuiter, that's for sure. I have this uber-cute video of you rolling on the floor next to an electric animated collie plushie rolling on the floor with you. Adorable. I'm sure many furs remember you.

The group thing is another question completely. It's not impossible to become a member of those numerous posses, cliques, groups, and gangs that always seem glued together at conventions and in everyone's home communities. But it's not for everyone. It takes a lot of time and effort to maintain that social dynamic of being one of the gang. You have to give up a lot of independence and the ability to choose your own activities.

I think there's people who are just more comfortable in a group and never even think of doing something without inviting the gang or getting group feedback before making it happen. Maybe your basic state is not to think quite like that and the result is that you are naturally on the outside. Not unwelcome to hang out, just not quite a normal member of the club.

I'm pretty sure that's how it works for me. I'm friends with many different groups and cliques, but not really on the inside "A" list for any of them. Sometimes I feel a little left out, but usually I come around knowing that it's really by choice and by my own nature. More often than feeling left out, I feel a little irritated when I want to do something with a friend and he has to go check in with the group to see what they want to do first, or invite them all along.

I don't know if you are quite like me, but I'd say if you are, it's natural to feel lonely or left out sometimes, but just as natural to enjoy your independence. Like most things in life, there's give and there's take. Just pay attention to your deepest desires and do what you need to make them real.

Very well said North, and very true.

I do love my independence, I grew up very lonely and I think that is how I guess I can manage life on a more individual basis. However, there is also that part of me that doesn't like being single all the time and wishes to be a part of something. I guess in a way it conflicts, but somehow also makes sense overall.

I am still so glad you have that on film. Sadly, the 'mini-me' stopped working soon afterwards, so I do not have him anymore. Every time I see that clip though I laugh.

If your ever in the area of MD, or at a con we are both attending, I would love to hang out with you sometime. I have known you and seen you about for so long now, yet we never really have had any social time ourselves. *hugs*

*hugs*

That would be awesome. I know I'll be at AC, I work in programming there. I hope to pick at least one other con just to have fun at this coming year.

That's one of the worst feelings, isn't it? Being alone in a group of people.

Totally.