Quote:
Originally posted by Dionysus
But what if you've been laid off? Don't have a family or are not that close to your family? What if you're at a new school/town/job and have not made any friends yet? What if you live in a climate where there isn't much to do outside? Or in a city where there isn't much going on?
This can happen to normal people. It's not as simple as just "not having a life".
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I was not laid off, but I did have some down time between my graduation from grad school and when I started in my research lab. I was off for about 3 1/2 months. Initially I just sat around and watched tv and surfed the web. I was so busy and under so much pressure during grad school, I actually found it relaxing for a while to just sit and let my brain 'go'. Then, I got bored. I got up and started doing stuff. I went out antique-ing, would go to the museums (all free on Thursdays in Houston), worked out at the gym. I became active.
As for the family, for me they are always around. My family is pretty large on both sides and someone is usually having a birthday party or get-together. One of my uncle's and I love to get on the phone and talk about the latest Shelia Jackson Lee sighting. She pops up everywhere!!
I can understand those who may not have a family, or are not close. I think then it is important to connect with somebody in your community, whether through church, or some other type of organization. We have three sorors transfer to my grad chapter and they are all from the mid-west. They became very active in our chapter and we (the chapter) are like their extended family.
Everyone is going to be new at some point, but you are not going to be new forever. I would hope that a person is capable of making and maintaining social contacts.
I can understand when it comes to living in a climate where there is not much to do outside. Heck, during the summers here it can get to 100 F and 100% humidity where it can last until ~ 9 pm. There are a number of indoor arenas where you can go to be active. There are indoor soccer, tennis, swimming, basketball and football arenas.
I can also understand living in a city where there is not much going on. That is why you make friends and create your own excitement!!!
I just think that there is more to life than sitting on your @$$ in front of a computer *all day, everyday*. That is why Americans are so fat. All we do is sit.