Explaining to your non-greek associates

[joyandrea]

I remember before I became a Delta I use to wonder why most of the greeks hung out with other greeks. I thought it was a "clique" type thing, but now I'm noticing that it may happen by a type of "natural selection".

Have any of you had the experience that once you crossed and started work your non-greek friends and/or significant others didn't understand why you had to go to chapter meetings, committee meetings, fundraisers, events, etc.? I used to wonder why males and females would say they have an easier time dating greeks because they understand how "the life" is...now I know what they mean.

I feel compelled to tell prospectives of any BGLO that it's a lot of work, time, energy and MONEY to be a member. Have any of you greeks on the board thought about this? Are there any non-greeks that have felt like their greek friends spend too much time dealing with greek business 10 months of the year, then the other 2 months they spend partying after a hard years work with their Sorors/Frat...so it's like greek life all year long??? I think that's when you wake up one day and notice that you have more greek associates than non-greek.

[CRIMSON_DIVA]

I know exactly what you are talking about. My boyfriend and I just had this very conversation last week. He told me that I changed after I crossed. I crossed in Spring of 2002. I became upset because I know that my attitude and characteristics are the same. After digging deeper the truth came out. He really meant that I didn't have as much time for him as before. It used to be me and him. Now it's me and him, me and sorors, me and chapter meetings etc. I know it is tough on him, but I just want him to realize that I feel like I'm here for a purpose and God's plan was for me to fulfill that purpose through my ties with Delta.

[luxious99]

I also understand what you are saying. A lot of my friends said that I didn't spend as much time with them as I used to. I noticed it to be true. I did have a lot more community service to do, fundraisers, doors to work at parties, meetings, other local chapter events to support, or just chilling with my ls's and bs's. I even lost my boyfriend at the time because he said we weren't spending enough time together. I realized that Delta was a lifetime committment, but I also managed to make more time for them when they brought it to my attention.

So when they say I've change, I say yes, but it's for the better.

[JinglesSpr99]

The connection with other greeks is something that really can't be explained. You can't explain the joy of seeing your someone from your sorority.. even though you have never met them before. And the pride of when a fellow greek does something great(like becomming Miss America or running for Pres.). Pledging makes you have a greater appreciation even for other greeks.