Social Needs

During the course of the day, I am only near people (at least that I know) a few times a day. One happens to be in the morning when I have coffee & breakfast with a friend of mine. Afterwards, its off to Inver Hills for a few hours to get caught up on classwork (printing, posting discussions on the board, etc), then it's off to work.

Between the time I leave for Metro Transit route 68 at 9:00am (going to Inver Hills) to the point I arrive at work (it varies from day to day), I am basically on my own. Since I am taking all online classes (I hate taking traditional classroom classes in the winter - I hate to be waiting for the bus when there's a snowstorm or when it's 30 below 0), it limits the time I can be social. In the book, it states that "communication provides a vital link with others", which I think is very true.

I have noticed that when I spend a majority of the day alone, I feel in the dumps. But when I see someone I know and have a friendship for, my spirit rises. Whether it's a friend, family member, a bus driver I know (and I do know a lot) or in my bi-weekly Toastmasters group. I'm not saying I hate being alone, trust me there are times I much rather be alone. For example, when I'm at the library or coffee shop and trying to study or read in general. Or just writing this blog :P... I just want it to be myself and my smooth jazz playing in my ears.

As I go along life, I realize that no matter what, we have to be social in some way, shape and form. Whether its with a co-worker, supervisor, friend, or family member. I am a journalism major so I really need social skills. I'm glad that I am given responsibly of a program with my current job. It is helping me be more social with people, learning about running a program, interacting with my immediate supervisor and supervisor and co-workers in a professional way.