Advice from a small town girl

I am given to making sweeping general statements about myself, which upon examination turn out to be less than true.

For example, I frequently tell others that I am not a “people person.”

While it’s true that I usually prefer the company of animals to that of people, I hardly think I can be classified as a misanthrope.

I’m not comfortable in crowds. I don’t go to concerts. I prefer to wait to see a movie until I don’t have to sit next to strangers. I actually like it when we can’t find anyone to go to WSU basketball games with us, because it means I’ll have more room (although that may just be because I take up more room than one person should.)

I avoid sales events at major department stores. In fact, I tend to avoid major department stores. I usually refuse to go to the casino with my husband if there’s a special event going on, because there are just too many people.

Sometimes when I am participating in a group event, such as my book group or quilt club, I have an overwhelming desire to just get up and leave.

And yet, I’m an ambassador for our community during Deutschesfest, smiling and saying hello to everyone I meet on the street. I’m the person who strikes up conversations with perfect strangers in line at the grocery store. When I worked at the drugstore and travelers came through, I always asked where they were from and where they were going, and “what brings you to Odessa?”

I love “visiting” and think more people should do more of it.

Casual contact is a breeze for me. A retail job was great, because a transaction only takes a few minutes. I can be nice to nearly anyone for a few minutes.

It’s when I have to maintain a relationship for an extended period of time that I run into trouble.

My older sister has kept every friend she ever made.

I have misplaced most of mine.

Oh, I see them every once in a while. The hometown pioneer celebration is usually a good way to catch up without making a major commitment. Those more distant usually get a Christmas card, at least until I don’t get one from them. Actual conversation, spending a significant amount of time together? Not so much.

You’ll probably never get a birthday card from me. Unless it’s a month late.

I have to be reminded to do the small things that are an accepted part of life in a community. It won’t ever occur to me to bring a casserole. Of course, that might be a relief to those who have sampled my cooking.

But there will always be a smile, a hello, a hug if you need one. There will always be a genuine if not particularly attentive friend.

I guess I may be a “people person” after all. Perhaps we all are.