Socialization

Conversation in the car today, on a long drive, led Gerry and I to an interesting discussion.  We were talking about going, or not going to some particular community event.    I made the observation:  "You are probably more likely to seek out groups of people than I am."

Of course, some of that can be accounted for because I am definitely an introvert and Gerry is an extrovert.  But he had another theory, harkening back to childhood.   Gerry grew up on a farm, that was quite a few miles out of town.  Therefore,  his existence was pretty isolated,   probably lonely sometimes, with not many people around.   He said it was exciting to go into town where there were lots of people.

My childhood experience was quite different from that!  My first reaction was:  I mostly had to be on display as the preacher's kid.  Growing up in the south back then, that came with a heavy dose of expectations.  You had to smile and shake hands;  you had to be pleasant;   you could not swear or spit.  You had to make a good impression.  Often, I had rather hide in the closet.     In fact, I once did exactly that!

One parish built us a new parsonage.  So, of course, it was always Open House.  Anyone who came for a visit would have to be shown the whole house.  If someone came, and I knew that my mother was going to be showing them around, and I was in my room,  rather than be on display and pleasant, I would hide in the closet!

I do really like people, but need far less socialization than Gerry seems to need.  That's why he goes into his office all the time, so he can hang out with his colleagues  (university/academics).  Then in the winter, he hangs out with the Geezer Skiers.

I really don't mind being at home, reading a book, cooking, doing laundry.  I get socialization several times a week,  but do not need it every day.

I wonder if our childhood experiences really have much influence on our patterns of socialization?