Meeting People is Hard

It’s been six months since I moved to Portland for a job. I’d never lived anywhere but Memphis, even getting my degree at the University of Memphis, so, Portland is was like a different world to me.

I’m not a very social person, preferring to spend weekends reading books, but I did have a few close friends in Memphis. I knew it would be difficult to make new friends in a new city, but I didn’t know it would be this hard. My co-workers all seemed nice enough, but they are into things like biking up mountains and playing World of Warcraft. It appeared as though I was doomed to a life of papercuts and pasta for one.

About three months ago, I met Ted at the library. He was friendly and positive and seemed genuinely interested in me. He had an extra ticket for the Blazers game that night and wanted to know if I’d accompany him. I agreed, and we had a great time watching the Blazers beat Toronto. Later that week, Ted and I had dinner at a Thai restaurant that was delicious. I was glad to have Ted in my life.

Ted invited me to a party his friends were throwing. I’m not good in large groups of people, but I had nothing to lose. Everyone at the party was really nice and accommodating. For the first time since I moved to Portland, I felt accepted.

This weekend, I’m going out to a retreat at a farm outside of Estacada with the people from the party. This is apparently a chance to get closed to the deity Maneesh, whose channel is only open when Mars and Jupiter are perfectly aligned. Deep down I know it’s all bullshit, but it beats sitting home alone.