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The Four Levels of Social Entrapment

hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com

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Re: The Four Levels of Social Entrapment

#5
Don't forget level five: being invited to social functions with people you don't know very well. Not only are you not in the comfort of your own home, not in control of the situation, and not able to make amusing conversation, but now a large group of people bear witness to your interpersonal epicfail and once the conversation runs dry may find yourself simply sitting in silence listening to whatever racket is being played (usually very loud) in the background, frozen in your seats, preserved in awkwardness like some sort of distasteful museum exhibit.

Re: The Four Levels of Social Entrapment

#8
post #5

Don't forget level five: being invited to social functions with people you don't know very well. Not only are you not in the comfort of your own home, not in control of the situation, and not able to make amusing conversation, but now a large group of people bear witness to your interpersonal epicfail and once the conversation runs dry may find yourself simply sitting in silence listening to whatever racket is being…

very true, hate that.

but its not quite a trap when someone invites you to the trap, telling you "hey, I'm having a trap. Wanna come?" Plus, you can leave the trap by saying "I have another trap to go to."

Re: The Four Levels of Social Entrapment

#9

Pretty sure only introverts have trouble with this kind of stuff. Extroverts (people who get energized by social situations) don't.

even extroverts can be bored out of their mind by someone playing head games. People who love to eat can still avoid things that are painful to eat

Re: The Four Levels of Social Entrapment

#10
Enjoyed the article, but I've learned to just be a little rude.  Rejection is part of life, and you can't live yours just trying not to hurt peoples' feelings.  In fact, if you actually care, you should find a time to talk to the person about how they can improve themselves.  If you don't, the more honest you are with your interactions, the better, IMO. 

People who play the game this author plays are a big reason I want to get out of Seattle.   It's passive aggressive niceties like this that quickly take over the fun in life and drive me nuts.

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