graphrix_IHB
New member
<p>momo,</p>
<p>Thanks for your rant. Everything you mentioned is spot on IMO. I think much of what you mentioned I.E. eating alone and talking to strangers is considerably worse here in OC and SoCal. When I lived in the Bay Area I had no problems meeting people and within the first three months I had several friends. Since moving back and being back for 8 years I have yet to meet as many people as I did up there in 1 year. I don't know why exactly it is that way here but it is. I also had no problem going to a restaurant alone there but here I am reluctant because of that stigma that is attached to it. </p>
<p>When I went to Chicago for the first time it was the weekend before Christmas. We went to magnificent mile because you have to if you have never been. I was shocked when the street packed with people bumping into because it was so crowded would smile and say merry Christmas to you. What an interesting and friendly concept. I have been to South Coast several times during the holidays and never once has anyone other than Santa Claus say merry Christmas to me. </p>
<p>BTW I'm the guy who will talk to people in the grocery line. I make it worse when I can tell the person doesn't want to talk to some random person by continuing to talk to them. I mean lighten up people.</p>
<p>{rant part 2 over}</p>
<p>Thanks for your rant. Everything you mentioned is spot on IMO. I think much of what you mentioned I.E. eating alone and talking to strangers is considerably worse here in OC and SoCal. When I lived in the Bay Area I had no problems meeting people and within the first three months I had several friends. Since moving back and being back for 8 years I have yet to meet as many people as I did up there in 1 year. I don't know why exactly it is that way here but it is. I also had no problem going to a restaurant alone there but here I am reluctant because of that stigma that is attached to it. </p>
<p>When I went to Chicago for the first time it was the weekend before Christmas. We went to magnificent mile because you have to if you have never been. I was shocked when the street packed with people bumping into because it was so crowded would smile and say merry Christmas to you. What an interesting and friendly concept. I have been to South Coast several times during the holidays and never once has anyone other than Santa Claus say merry Christmas to me. </p>
<p>BTW I'm the guy who will talk to people in the grocery line. I make it worse when I can tell the person doesn't want to talk to some random person by continuing to talk to them. I mean lighten up people.</p>
<p>{rant part 2 over}</p>