The Things You Do For a Social Life...

[Eggsnham]

Or a Klondike bar. Whichever one.

But yeah, it's occurred to me that we humans do some pretty ridiculous things just for the ability to make friends.

For example:

Shower daily

Wear different clothes daily

Buy new clothes frequently

Take certain views to fit in with certain groups (literally everyone does this, even if you think you don't)

Don't talk about certain things

And the list goes on.

I mean, if you're the type of person who needs to shower daily and can't get by with just deodorant and a quick combing of the hair, then that's necessity.

But wearing the same clothes isn't that big of a deal, yet we make it out to be such a huge thing that I'm feeling a little nervous just defending it. As long as your clothes don't smell like dookie, or have stains all over them, it should be fine to wear them another day.

And we shouldn't feel obligated to buy a new shirt and pair of jeans every week or so, what's wrong with having a semi-predictable wardrobe?

And then there's always the times when we'll take a certain viewpoint just fit in or take a certain side. Even the self proclaimed non-conformists do this, as claiming to be a non-conformist and holding the views of your "non-conformist" lifestyle is conforming to somebodies ideas somewhere, whether you admit it or not.

And then we're not supposed to talk about certain things for fear of being labeled as awkward or weird. For example, sex. Why do we act like the reason for our existence is such a taboo and sacred thing that only the elite and beautiful are allowed to talk about? Literally everyone who is born with an able body and mind will have sex eventually.

If you ask me, we're going through too much just to claim the right to a social life.

Then again, I'm probably just repeating what thousands of other have said before being ripped to shreds by suspicion and paranoia or ignored.

 

[Jonluw]

I am not really consciously aware of any such things I do.
I mean, aside from showering daily and changing clothes when they get dirty, but I do that in order to be pleasant to be around, and because being too dirty is just no fun even if I'm alone.
I don't change clothes every day though. T-shirts last a maximum of two days, sweaters/shirts: 2-5,

Spoiler: trousers/pants: indefinite.

I rarely buy new clothes. It does seem that my t-shirts are starting to get too small though. They don't really reach all the way to the belt all the time. I should probably get some new ones soon.

I can't honestly say I do a lot in order to maintain a social life though. Mainly because I don't have much of a social life. I am by myself for the most part.

Oh wait: I do try to restrain myself from bringing up religion around friends I know are religious. And if it's brought up I just roll with whatever they say and avoid discussion. I still don't say anything I don't mean though.

 

[lobster1077]

People don't necessarily keep themselves spic and span for the benefit of others. I figured most people practiced basic personal hygiene because its a worthwhile endeavour, taking a shower is in itself a pleasant experience. As is getting some new attire every once in a while. There isn't an ulterior motive to please others, at least from my own viewpoint.

 

[Mallefunction]

People don't necessarily keep themselves spic and span for the benefit of others. I figured most people practiced basic personal hygiene because its a worthwhile endeavour, taking a shower is in itself a pleasant experience. As is getting some new attire every once in a while. There isn't an ulterior motive to please others, at least from my own viewpoint.

Same.

OP: To a certain degree, it's instinct to keep a bit clean. We aren't supposed to shower as OFTEN as most people do (actually damages your skin, stripping off the vital layer) but there is a reason why excessive BO and other smells like feces make us cringe and turn away.

 

[RanD00M]

I only shower daily when I have work, otherwise I shower every other day. I only changed clothes daily if the old ones are dirty, otherwise I can for 3-4 days in the same outfit.
But when it comes to a social life, I ain't a good person to talk to because is almost non existent.

 

[Ishadus]

The largest sacrifice I make to be social is...you know...having to actually talk to other people. Who needs that, you know?

I'll wear some types of clothes multiple times, and I'll be damned if I buy new clothes every week. That's just commercialism brainwashing bullshit. I don't throw things out that are still serviceable either. I've seriously known people to throw out a shirt because one button came off. I mean...seriously? Pick up a needle and thread; it's not THAT hard...

 

[5mj7R7yf4Dwr3gdZyyu9PeGNwYjlNrjzuh3iTXQG]

Meh. I shower when I feel funky.

I really like my pants, and the same company doesn't make them the same way anymore. They're still in reasonable repair. Need to replace my boots, though.

One of my features is that I will actually talk openly about sex, so that friends and paramours don't have to awkwardly beat about the bush (that is, when there's something to discuss). Comes from living for a while with sex educators.

But at the same time, I'm not really all that much concerned about getting laid these days. Yeah, it's nice when its good. Often enough someone's hang-ups are getting in the way, and these days I'm on drugs that affect my libido.

So I'm content being misanthropic and reclusive. A night of L4D2 is, for me, outright social.

238U.

 

[JochemDude]

I make sure I don't smell like sweat all the time, but that's about it. Hygiene be damned. To socialize I visit and work at concerts and festivals, walk my dog, lot's of MMA, Aikido, Tai Chi, jujutsu and kick boxing training.

 

[MysticToast]

And we shouldn't feel obligated to buy a new shirt and pair of jeans every week or so, what's wrong with having a semi-predictable wardrobe?

Who buys a new shirt and pants every week? That's ridiculous

 

[Hiikuro]

I think humans do far too much to fit in. It seems like they are sacrificing their real and true self just to not be disliked and be accepted.

I know the price of not doing so. Loneliness, depression, and isolation. Probably most people I meet shy away, fear, or dislike me because I am not "normal". I tend to talk about weird stuff, often without caring about how people react to it (but I never try or want to say anything hurtful or offensive), I am surprised I even have any friends. But at least I can say whatever I feel among them, without fear or worrying.

I'd rather be like this than put on a mask and pretend to be someone I am not. It is liberating. But for what I lose, it is hard to argue whether it is worth it.

I try to keep my hygiene though (I shower once a day), but I do not use deodorant or wear attractive clothing. The former because it feels like I am faking myself (and a shower seem to be enough), the latter because I dislike showing off as it makes me feel uncomfortable. I wish I could wear something aesthetic though, as I do like elegant non-sexualized outfits.

 

[SckizoBoy]

OP: To a certain degree, it's instinct to keep a bit clean. We aren't supposed to shower as OFTEN as most people do (actually damages your skin, stripping off the vital layer) but there is a reason why excessive BO and other smells like feces make us cringe and turn away.

Eeesh... reading a few of the responses, I'm a clean freak... anyway, how often is one meant to take a shower, see as how I shower at least once a day (up to three, depending on how much my nose is playing up and how long I've spent in the lab). That's my instinct through the roof, in that case...

OT: I change my clothes twice a day, but that doesn't necessarily mean I need to buy new clothes every week... in fact that last item of clothing I bought was a new pair of jeans about six months ago. Hell, my wardrobe is predictable of dour proportions. People do double takes when they see me in something not my usual getup (black jeans, black t-shirt, black shirt & black buff, which I wear regardless of weather).

 

[Monkfish Acc.]

People buy new clothes every week. Really.
You know what, sure, why the fuck not. It's not the only pointless waste of money the well-off indulge in, let's just add this to the big, retarded pile.

I think what I think because it's what I fucking think, adopting views to fit in is fucking stupid. I shower for my own comfort. I change clothes after a shower because otherwise it's completely redundant. I buy clothes to replace old clothes that are worn to nothing. I say what I feel like whenever I feel like it.

I don't even want a social life. The only reason I have one is because my friends are a bunch of fucking freaks and won't leave me alone.
I am beginning to think they LIKE being yelled at all the time.

 

[Wadders]

People buy new clothes that often? Shit, I buy on average about 1 new item of clothing a month, and I thought that was a lot for an average guy...

To be honest, I'd rather go to the effort and do these thing, even if it means restraining my views around certain people, than not be social. My social life may not be as extensive as some people's but its very important to have one I think.

People say that they don't like people, or don't like socializing?

I don't understand that, it just sounds lazy. Socialize, and you will find people you like, guaranteed.

 

[XDravond]

Well really, don't smell sweat is a good point, but I got almost harder socialize with people drenched in perfume and clothes, new ones when old ones get dirty or really smells, shirts more often than pants tho..

Clean when dirty simple!

Though I've gone 2 weeks in really dirty sweaty clothes, and making them worse under the time and no shower that was fun but less than pleasant. If one of those super tidy/clean maniacs gotten close they'd probably faint of the stench ;-P Gets a bit itchy under your arms and your crouch after a week or so but no real difference otherwise

 

[Woodsey]

"Shower daily"

Yeah, I do that because I have self-respect and don't like to smell my own earthly scent.

 

[Mallefunction]

OP: To a certain degree, it's instinct to keep a bit clean. We aren't supposed to shower as OFTEN as most people do (actually damages your skin, stripping off the vital layer) but there is a reason why excessive BO and other smells like feces make us cringe and turn away.

Eeesh... reading a few of the responses, I'm a clean freak... anyway, how often is one meant to take a shower, see as how I shower at least once a day (up to three, depending on how much my nose is playing up and how long I've spent in the lab). That's my instinct through the roof, in that case...

You are supposed to shower about two/three times a week max. Showering once a day strips off what's known as the 'horny' layer of your skin which protects you from infection, germs, etc. If you shower too much, you aren't allowing your skin enough time to regrow that layer that it needs.

Naturally, this layer of skin strips off by itself (you have a new horny layer about once a month without showering) but showering repeatedly speeds it up. It's bad for your skin.

It's also bad for your hair too. Your hair has natural oils that it needs to keep healthy. Conditioner artificially restores the damage that shampoo does, but those oils are really important for the sustained health of your follicles. Notice how AMAZING your hair looks and feels if you don't shower for a week and then go and clean it? It's because your hair has been given time to restore itself.

Also...lice like clean hair. Just sayin'

 

[OctoH]

I breakdance for Klondike bars.

 

[XDravond]

OP: To a certain degree, it's instinct to keep a bit clean. We aren't supposed to shower as OFTEN as most people do (actually damages your skin, stripping off the vital layer) but there is a reason why excessive BO and other smells like feces make us cringe and turn away.

Eeesh... reading a few of the responses, I'm a clean freak... anyway, how often is one meant to take a shower, see as how I shower at least once a day (up to three, depending on how much my nose is playing up and how long I've spent in the lab). That's my instinct through the roof, in that case...

OT: I change my clothes twice a day, but that doesn't necessarily mean I need to buy new clothes every week... in fact that last item of clothing I bought was a new pair of jeans about six months ago. Hell, my wardrobe is predictable of dour proportions. People do double takes when they see me in something not my usual getup (black jeans, black t-shirt, black shirt & black buff, which I wear regardless of weather).

You'll live with showers as often as it rains, you start to smell, might catch something the first few weeks but after that (decease wise anyway) no worries. Only real reason to clean is mostly smell wise and social acceptance... dirt is not dangerous and deceases thrives better in clean environments thats what I've been told anyway. What might be annoying is that it might start to itch like h*ll in the three "hairy places" (tested by me and some "outdoor-friends" ;-P you start to wish for a toilet and a shower in less than a week if you sweat and "dirty" yourself under that time)

 

[pulse2]

And we shouldn't feel obligated to buy a new shirt and pair of jeans every week or so, what's wrong with having a semi-predictable wardrobe?

Who buys a new shirt and pants every week? That's ridiculous

Kanye West

OT: But do you do those things for a social life or just because its necessary? I do those things even when I'm not going out. I may wear less....interesting clothing, but I will shower, comb my hair, brush my teeth...if you don't do that, you're just nasty, lol

As for clothes, I think you just want to look your best, not because of what others think most of the time, but more about how YOU want to feel and the message you want to send about yourself.

 

[IneptInception]

These things aren't exactly mind boggling, apart from people's fear of talking to others about certain topics ("not being yourself") and buying new clothes constantly.

Some people seem to think you can't talk about certain topics because "people won't like you for that viewpoint on said topic, or for talking about the taboo " but people need to understand that you can build people around you, and you don't have to build yourself around them. Have common sense about it (no abortion topics for an icebreaker, please), but don't feel restricted by THEM. It's difficult to have the confidence to do that, but once you can succesfully achieve your ideal self and people actually enjoy being around you, socialising actually becomes... robust and vaguely fun.

Seriously, as long as you manage a new outfit once every 8 - 12 months, there's no need to spend that much on clothes. Honestly, some people think buying a new outfit every 4 years is excessive, and to that I'll answer you aren't a tramp if you have a computer and regularly post on the Ecapist. Buy some damn clothes.