We are currently checking out a new-to-us car group. While this group has been around this area for a very long time, we have never got involved with them. I had actually thought that the hubby wanted to join this group when he first got the Mustang, but we never even went so far as to check it out back then.
Personally, I suspect the age of the Mustang would fit better into the group than the toy car, but the toy car is actually a far more “showy” car and more likely to elicit ooohs and ahhhs. I think it is also a limited edition.
I operate under the theory that if he wants to take up any interest, be it fishing or Mustangs or gardening or convertibles or bowling or skydiving, I will embrace it whole-heartedly to the best of my ability. If he wants to become a fan of football or kickboxing, I will learn to love football or kickboxing.
He wanted a Mustang, so I learned to love Mustangs. He wanted a boat to go fishing, so I learned to enjoy fishing. He wanted to get a camper and go camping, so I learned to love camping. My biggest challenge is learning to turn the love off when he decides he is done with that party.
But joining a group to do something is a totally different kettle of fish. We volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for a few years, because it really is a good cause. We did not stay with that group beyond that point because we did not have any personal connections with anybody in the group. Yes, it is a good cause. Yes, if they ever start another project in the area I would be willing to donate a few dollars to the organization. The 2011 flood pretty much wiped them off the local map, but eventually I am sure they will re-start some new projects.
Without a personal connection, I doubt if we would actually re-join the group. Now, I am sure everybody has a different view on what makes them join and feel like they belong in a group. For **ME** it really hinges on having that personal contact, having the “small group” connections within the larger group framework. If I never get a call from any of the group members outside of the large-group activity, I will not feel any major personal commitment or feeling of belonging.
For Me, personally, I require a call saying “hey, we are going to the zoo/ coffee shop/ concert/ dinner, do you want to come with us?” Or a knock on the door saying, “we were in the neighborhood and thought we would drop by to see how you are doing.” An invite to come over and play cards or roast marshmallows will always do the trick for me.
I think the bottom line is that the world is filled with millions of groups and organizations that want my money. There are a smaller number that actually do want my time and talents in addition to my wallet. What I am seeking is a group that also wants me, personally, not just my pocketbook or my labors.
Personally, I suspect the age of the Mustang would fit better into the group than the toy car, but the toy car is actually a far more “showy” car and more likely to elicit ooohs and ahhhs. I think it is also a limited edition.
I operate under the theory that if he wants to take up any interest, be it fishing or Mustangs or gardening or convertibles or bowling or skydiving, I will embrace it whole-heartedly to the best of my ability. If he wants to become a fan of football or kickboxing, I will learn to love football or kickboxing.
He wanted a Mustang, so I learned to love Mustangs. He wanted a boat to go fishing, so I learned to enjoy fishing. He wanted to get a camper and go camping, so I learned to love camping. My biggest challenge is learning to turn the love off when he decides he is done with that party.
But joining a group to do something is a totally different kettle of fish. We volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for a few years, because it really is a good cause. We did not stay with that group beyond that point because we did not have any personal connections with anybody in the group. Yes, it is a good cause. Yes, if they ever start another project in the area I would be willing to donate a few dollars to the organization. The 2011 flood pretty much wiped them off the local map, but eventually I am sure they will re-start some new projects.
Without a personal connection, I doubt if we would actually re-join the group. Now, I am sure everybody has a different view on what makes them join and feel like they belong in a group. For **ME** it really hinges on having that personal contact, having the “small group” connections within the larger group framework. If I never get a call from any of the group members outside of the large-group activity, I will not feel any major personal commitment or feeling of belonging.
For Me, personally, I require a call saying “hey, we are going to the zoo/ coffee shop/ concert/ dinner, do you want to come with us?” Or a knock on the door saying, “we were in the neighborhood and thought we would drop by to see how you are doing.” An invite to come over and play cards or roast marshmallows will always do the trick for me.
I think the bottom line is that the world is filled with millions of groups and organizations that want my money. There are a smaller number that actually do want my time and talents in addition to my wallet. What I am seeking is a group that also wants me, personally, not just my pocketbook or my labors.