what was their reaction?

[UKAXO]

As always, JAM, you are right on target!

I will just add that this holds true for so many things in life, not just the decision to go Greek. Any time you opt to "go against the tide", you will find plenty of resistance to try to discourage you. It's up to you to make the choices that will, in turn, bring YOU happiness.

Case in point: I spent my junior year abroad in Spain. It changed my life forever - I'm not kidding; I've spent most of my life since then, here in Europe. I knew when my year of study was finished, I would not ever wish to return to live in the USA on a permanent basis. I knew this in my heart. But, as JAM pointed out, when I told my friends and family that I would not be returning to the States to live, EVER, they all felt "abandoned" and fearful that it would spell the end of friendships/other relationships.

It's been over 15 years now, and I can say that I have held on to the friends that respected my decision - and my family finally saw that they had no choice in the matter, and so they also learned to accept it. To those who belittled MY decision - they were indeed the weakest link, and so I said "goodbye" to them.

Cowboyduff, TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE. You are the only one who has to live "in your skin", so to speak. I hope you find that Greek life is for you, and that it brings you as much happiness as it has to most of us on this BB; please keep us all posted on the outcome no matter what, however.