Random thing you loathe right now.

gravity wrote:
ClockworkHouse wrote:

My son is sick with a fever and was up most of the night screaming. My wife and I are completely exhausted and quite worried about him. He went to the doctor earlier this week, and we were told it should pass in a couple days; it's just so hard to see him like that.

I'm sorry to hear about that... the weekend is passed now, how's he doing?

He's much better now. Thanks for asking.

Just in time for my wife to come down with the same junk. Bet I'm next.

New loathe: shattered the screen on my phone, so now I'm in the market for a new one much sooner than expected. Ah, well. Minor crap next to the health of my family.

Clockwork, what kind of phone?

I was still a year out from my early upgrade on my iPhone 4 when I cracked up both sides, and it was just easier and cheaper for me to swap the glass.

The New York State DMV. Threatening to suspend my license because I don't have insurance.

I've had insurance. Since March. But their ass-tastic electronic system for insurers to inform them they someone is insured is utter crap. I anticipate a morning of bureaucracy, red tape, and me desperately trying not to curse at the people behind the counter.

Quintin_Stone wrote:
Chumpy_McChump wrote:

I worked at Nortel 10+ years ago when something like this started. Someone sent an email to a couple of thousand people by accident. Reply All was hit, probably by two dozen of those people. Here's where things go horribly wrong.

I was actually was Nortel, around 2000, when the same thing happened.

Bet it was the same event. You were one of them, weren't you? WEREN'T YOU??

McIrishJihad wrote:

Clockwork, what kind of phone?

I was still a year out from my early upgrade on my iPhone 4 when I cracked up both sides, and it was just easier and cheaper for me to swap the glass.

I have an HD7. It needs to be replaced, anyway. It had a run in with my toddler awhile back which messed up the camera and charging port. I was just hoping it would limp along a little longer.

1) Not knowing when to be socially awkward. Should I save it for when no one notices or should I just be putting my foot in my mouth whenever I'm talking to other people? (ANSWER: Wait until people are around to notice)

2) Am I too presumptuous? Do I imagine I have a stronger connection to online peeps than I actually do? (ANSWER: I feel I'm overstepping all the time)

3) The constant fear of not fitting in. Ugh.

These are not-really-random things I loathe right now.

What do you mean 'not knowing when to be socially awkward' and 'saving it for when no one notices'?

If you have a choice in the matter, don't be socially awkward. Generally it's not fun to be around those kinds of people. I say this even though I've been on both sides of the experience.

If you have a choice, if it's part of your sense of humour, do it when you think it'll amuse you and when it has a good chance of making the group laugh.

1Dgaf wrote:

What do you mean 'not knowing when to be socially awkward' and 'saving it for when no one notices'?

If you have a choice in the matter, don't be socially awkward. Generally it's not fun to be around those kinds of people. I say this even though I've been on both sides of the experience.

If you have a choice, if it's part of your sense of humour, do it when you think it'll amuse you and when it has a good chance of making the group laugh.

Yeah, I was being facetious about my problem, making light of it. Don't be socially awkward. That's pretty hard for me as I perceive myself being socially awkward. What I should really do is not give-a-damn what others think but yeeeeeeeeee, that's pretty hard for me.

Strangeblades wrote:

Yeah, I was being facetious about my problem, making light of it. Don't be socially awkward. That's pretty hard for me as I perceive myself being socially awkward. What I should really do is not give-a-damn what others think but yeeeeeeeeee, that's pretty hard for me.

The best part is getting nervous about socially awkward, and the nervousness makes you even more socially awkward, which in turn leads to more nervousness...

Demyx wrote:
Strangeblades wrote:

Yeah, I was being facetious about my problem, making light of it. Don't be socially awkward. That's pretty hard for me as I perceive myself being socially awkward. What I should really do is not give-a-damn what others think but yeeeeeeeeee, that's pretty hard for me.

The best part is getting nervous about socially awkward, and the nervousness makes you even more socially awkward, which in turn leads to more nervousness...

Yup.

Strangeblades wrote:
Demyx wrote:
Strangeblades wrote:

Yeah, I was being facetious about my problem, making light of it. Don't be socially awkward. That's pretty hard for me as I perceive myself being socially awkward. What I should really do is not give-a-damn what others think but yeeeeeeeeee, that's pretty hard for me.

The best part is getting nervous about socially awkward, and the nervousness makes you even more socially awkward, which in turn leads to more nervousness...

Yup.

I find that board games and props are great temporary ways of getting through the first sections of social awkwardness. When people come over, and I feel uncomfortable, I grab one of my cats and wave them around until I feel OK talking again.

Strangeblades wrote:

What I should really do is not give-a-damn what others think but yeeeeeeeeee, that's pretty hard for me.

No, because then you'd be a sociopath.

What you need to do is calm the f*ck down. Just imagine you're in a room with Samuel L Jackson. He's got a gun. And an afro wig. If you're jibber jabbering or looking shifty, Samuel gets nervous.

You don't want Samuel to be nervous.

So how do you act? Well, don't have any expectations about how to act. Just be. This isn't easy to do. I have problems with it myself. But if you're not worried about being funny or looking quirky, about trying to announce your presence in some way, you'll relax naturally. Think of the moments you're at home with a book on the sofa, or stroking the cat or relaxing with your wife.

You can't be animated all the time, right? There have to be parts of your day where you're dialled down and at easte.

I think it's like speaking too quickly. If you do, like me, slowing down is a special kind of agony. It feels like you're talking in slow motion. But to everyone else, it sounds completely normal.

Of course this advice is as much for me as it is for you, because I've been where you are. I still visit.

1Dgaf wrote:
Strangeblades wrote:

What I should really do is not give-a-damn what others think but yeeeeeeeeee, that's pretty hard for me.

No, because then you'd be a sociopath.

What you need to do is calm the f*ck down. Just imagine you're in a room with Samuel L Jackson. He's got a gun. And an afro wig. If you're jibber jabbering or looking shifty, Samuel gets nervous.

You don't want Samuel to be nervous.

So how do you act? Well, don't have any expectations about how to act. Just be. This isn't easy to do. I have problems with it myself. But if you're not worried about being funny or looking quirky, about trying to announce your presence in some way, you'll relax naturally. Think of the moments you're at home with a book on the sofa, or stroking the cat or relaxing with your wife.

You can't be animated all the time, right? There have to be parts of your day where you're dialled down and at easte.

I think it's like speaking too quickly. If you do, like me, slowing down is a special kind of agony. It feels like you're talking in slow motion. But to everyone else, it sounds completely normal.

Of course this advice is as much for me as it is for you, because I've been where you are. I still visit.

Ooo, this is good stuff. Thanks.

Tanglebones wrote:
Strangeblades wrote:
Demyx wrote:
Strangeblades wrote:

Yeah, I was being facetious about my problem, making light of it. Don't be socially awkward. That's pretty hard for me as I perceive myself being socially awkward. What I should really do is not give-a-damn what others think but yeeeeeeeeee, that's pretty hard for me.

The best part is getting nervous about socially awkward, and the nervousness makes you even more socially awkward, which in turn leads to more nervousness...

Yup.

I find that board games and props are great temporary ways of getting through the first sections of social awkwardness. When people come over, and I feel uncomfortable, I grab one of my cats and wave them around until I feel OK talking again.

OHHH! Wave them around. Got it. I gotta stop throwing them then? At people's faces? Right, right. WAVE them around. Gotcha.

Demyx wrote:
Strangeblades wrote:

Yeah, I was being facetious about my problem, making light of it. Don't be socially awkward. That's pretty hard for me as I perceive myself being socially awkward. What I should really do is not give-a-damn what others think but yeeeeeeeeee, that's pretty hard for me.

The best part is getting nervous about socially awkward, and the nervousness makes you even more socially awkward, which in turn leads to more nervousness...

...and then you try to tell a joke to break the tension but you're too nervous so you mess up the punchline so you have to explain the joke and then you're laughing nervously and everyone else is just staring blankly at you and oh no I'm back in high school how did I get here.

DHL.

11/19/2012 pick up package in TN.
11/20/2012 package ships.
11/21/2012 package arrives in GA. Then... "TENDERED TO USPS"

WTF? DHL, the shipping company, ships from Tennessee to Georgia and then f**king puts it in the mailbox to send to me?

*edit* from a town 425 miles from me?

sigh

Demyx wrote:

The best part is getting nervous about socially awkward, and the nervousness makes you even more socially awkward, which in turn leads to more nervousness...

The biggest problem with social awkwardness is the associated worry and nervousness, not the social awkwardness itself.

I'm a reasonably socially-adept chap, for all my inherent nerditude. Some of my social circles are choc-a-bloc with socially awkward nerds, and the thing is that the only times interactions are ever difficult is when those people are stressing out about their social awkwardness, not when they're having a grand old time being their socially awkward selves.

Well, yeah, if your circles are full of socially awkward people then they're going to be more understanding.

What's difficult is when you're having to deal with people who really and truly are judgmental of social awkwardness.

muttonchop wrote:
Demyx wrote:
Strangeblades wrote:

Yeah, I was being facetious about my problem, making light of it. Don't be socially awkward. That's pretty hard for me as I perceive myself being socially awkward. What I should really do is not give-a-damn what others think but yeeeeeeeeee, that's pretty hard for me.

The best part is getting nervous about socially awkward, and the nervousness makes you even more socially awkward, which in turn leads to more nervousness...

...and then you try to tell a joke to break the tension but you're too nervous so you mess up the punchline so you have to explain the joke and then you're laughing nervously and everyone else is just staring blankly at you and oh no I'm back in high school how did I get here.

IMAGE(http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab221/Strangeblades/Emoticons/smiley_emoticons_box.gif)

Demyx wrote:
Strangeblades wrote:

Don't be socially awkward. That's pretty hard for me as I perceive myself being socially awkward.

The best part is getting nervous about socially awkward, and the nervousness makes you even more socially awkward, which in turn leads to more nervousness...

Look, I have met both of you in person, and maybe it was because we are all a part of the GWJ community, but neither one of you was particularly socially awkward. I actually thought that you both were a lot more sociable than I usually am.

Demyx wrote:

What's difficult is when you're having to deal with people who really and truly are judgmental of social awkwardness.

In which case, hang out with fewer douchewaffles.

Atras wrote:
Demyx wrote:
Strangeblades wrote:

Don't be socially awkward. That's pretty hard for me as I perceive myself being socially awkward.

The best part is getting nervous about socially awkward, and the nervousness makes you even more socially awkward, which in turn leads to more nervousness...

Look, I have met both of you in person, and maybe it was because we are all a part of the GWJ community, but neither one of you was particularly socially awkward. I actually thought that you both were a lot more sociable than I usually am.

What?! Great, now you inflated my self-importance to highly dangerous levels. *struts around the room*

Atras wrote:

Look, I have met both of you in person, and maybe it was because we are all a part of the GWJ community, but neither one of you was particularly socially awkward. I actually thought that you both were a lot more sociable than I usually am.

Thanks for the vote of confidence

Jonman wrote:

In which case, hang out with fewer douchewaffles. :)

What, my family? I'd like to, but the holidays are coming up :p

Demyx wrote:
Atras wrote:

Look, I have met both of you in person, and maybe it was because we are all a part of the GWJ community, but neither one of you was particularly socially awkward. I actually thought that you both were a lot more sociable than I usually am.

Thanks for the vote of confidence

Jonman wrote:

In which case, hang out with fewer douchewaffles. :)

What, my family? I'd like to, but the holidays are coming up :p

Yes, your family of douchewaffles. Hang out with them less

Blood may be thicker than water, but the vinegary-water you fill a douche with is thinner than both.

Strangeblades wrote:
Atras wrote:
Demyx wrote:
Strangeblades wrote:

Don't be socially awkward. That's pretty hard for me as I perceive myself being socially awkward.

The best part is getting nervous about socially awkward, and the nervousness makes you even more socially awkward, which in turn leads to more nervousness...

Look, I have met both of you in person, and maybe it was because we are all a part of the GWJ community, but neither one of you was particularly socially awkward. I actually thought that you both were a lot more sociable than I usually am.

What?! Great, now you inflated my self-importance to highly dangerous levels. *struts around the room*

Well, let's face it - you're no Zooey.

muttonchop wrote:
Demyx wrote:
Strangeblades wrote:

Yeah, I was being facetious about my problem, making light of it. Don't be socially awkward. That's pretty hard for me as I perceive myself being socially awkward. What I should really do is not give-a-damn what others think but yeeeeeeeeee, that's pretty hard for me.

The best part is getting nervous about socially awkward, and the nervousness makes you even more socially awkward, which in turn leads to more nervousness...

...and then you try to tell a joke to break the tension but you're too nervous so you mess up the punchline so you have to explain the joke and then you're laughing nervously and everyone else is just staring blankly at you and oh no I'm back in high school how did I get here.

And WHERE ARE YOUR PANTS?!

Deadmonkeys wrote:
muttonchop wrote:
Demyx wrote:
Strangeblades wrote:

Yeah, I was being facetious about my problem, making light of it. Don't be socially awkward. That's pretty hard for me as I perceive myself being socially awkward. What I should really do is not give-a-damn what others think but yeeeeeeeeee, that's pretty hard for me.

The best part is getting nervous about socially awkward, and the nervousness makes you even more socially awkward, which in turn leads to more nervousness...

...and then you try to tell a joke to break the tension but you're too nervous so you mess up the punchline so you have to explain the joke and then you're laughing nervously and everyone else is just staring blankly at you and oh no I'm back in high school how did I get here.

And WHERE ARE YOUR PANTS?!

Hanging off of Jeff Goldbloom's nipples is my best guess.

when I sense people are noticing my social awkwardness (psychopathic paranoia makes this an all too common experience) I send them to reeducation camps in the countryside. What I'm trying to say is you have options.

And stop looking at me like that.

Chairman_Mao wrote:

when I sense people are noticing my social awkwardness (psychopathic paranoia makes this an all too common experience) I send them to reeducation camps in the countryside. What I'm trying to say is you have options.

And stop looking at me like that.

I'm sorry my Stalin!

My body just refuses to work like a proper body should and I have absolutely no clue what to do about it. We've made so many advancements in medicine yet I have to see five different specialists for five different things and then figure out what the hell to do when there's a conflict of interest. I often have to undergo some kind of treatment or take meds that makes me feel worse and may or may not help depending on which doc it is at the time. Right now, I feel nauseous as hell and generally messed up on top of how I felt going in but they want me back because, hey, it'll work eventually. Seriously. I'm hopped up on vitamins and supplements because of deficiencies. I'm on a diet where I can't eat a damn thing because I've developed allergic reactions to most foods. I experience so many symptoms that I don't even know which symptom belongs to what problem. My immune system is a joke and can barely fight off the smallest bug. I'm falling apart and it seems like there isn't a damn thing anyone can do to stop it.

And you know what? I'm tired. I'm so damn tired.