I think that we are fortunate to have a dog park located next to our pétanque field. Why? Well, first I love dogs, and second, these lovable creatures demonstrate every day the need and the virtues of socialization. When they are approaching the park, you can see them pulling on their leashes, in their eagerness to meet and fraternize with their fellow canines.
All living creatures want to mingle. It is a natural need, and there is no worse punishment for anybody than to be in (punitive or not) isolation. In prolonged cases, it can drive a human or even an animal to dementia. It is therefore good, even necessary to regularly leave your lair and socialize with your friends.
“In every province, the chief occupations, in order of importance, are lovemaking, malicious gossip, and talking nonsense.” Voltaire, 1694-1778, French philosopher & writer
I totally concur with Monsieur Voltaire, and I agree with most of his observations. He also said, “Religion began when the first scoundrel met the first fool.”
I especially agree with this statement, being very aware that religious scoundrels were instrumental in denying abortion access to innocent fools.
Sex, gossiping, and talking nonsense are the essence of socialization. You seldom meet anybody to discuss the latest situation in Ukraine or the price of gasoline.
Badinage is a more suitable form of conversation, especially when bad news is piling up with each passing day.
You don’t even need to meet anybody to enjoy your outing; you can sit in a café just for un bain de foule and observe the people around you.
“La rue est une musée pour tous!” ― Hergé
A young boy with green hair, a skinny woman covered with tattoos, a stout fellow in a wheelchair, a woman with bouncing boobs, a teenage girl with fat legs and ultra-short shorts, a bunch of old codgers in cycling outfits, a beautiful girl with a bare midriff and tight yoga pants… Men, women, children, dogs, and an occasional accordion player… It is a moveable feast…
Some people come to a café to read a book, or to work with a computer, but I think that this is utterly foolish. You come to a bistro to relax, observe, or eventually meet somebody, not to linger in your bubble.
To sum it up, loneliness and social isolation are highly detrimental to your health. Go out, sit a spell and soak the atmosphere… or fight it out on the pétanque field!
Alain