The Pursuit of Happiness.

[hantsbear]

A friend has stated to me that I am preventing my own happiness and that I am determined to be miserable whatever the cost.  I am not sure that I agree 100% with that second statement, for this reason: I am a lot happier working for the Department for Work and Pensions than I was working for EDS, especially the last 6 months.  For one thing, I do not suffer from continual stress.  Sure, there are stressful occasions but not the constant pressure of supervising effectively the human equivalent of a battery farm.  Yes, the boss can be an irritating sod at times with some of his quirks but all in all he is, for the most part, considerate and human.

I think the first statement is aimed at my desire for a relationship of some sort.  Sure, I don't expect it to happen over night, but it was commented on a visit to The Fountain in Birmingham (the local bear bar) that I avoid eye contact with people who are interested in me.  Or am completely oblivious of them.  Compare two situations : Fiesta de los Osos - I don't seem to have a problem with eye contact or talking to people, and people talking to me.  Or is there something I'm not aware of?  The last Manbears event I went to - I was virtually ignored all evening, despite trying to make eye contact with people.

Oh well, I am due to meet a guy on Sunday afternoon, so we shall see what happens...

Comments

[fingertrouble.livejournal.com]

Hope it goes well.

But yeah, English blokes tend to be weird, expect you to do all the work, and can be arrogant/aloof. Whereas Americans I find are at the least uber-friendly and if you're shy immediately make clear what they like/want if they're interested. I've always preferred that direct approach to the game playing of English guys.

Both can be cliquey but in far different ways - English cliqueyness tends to be in avoiding all contact and giving you the stare of death if you try. US guys tend to be at least friendly but can keep you at a distance...

Yes I have the feeling I was born in the wrong country.

[fingertrouble.livejournal.com]

But the irony is? The nice guys usually aren't on the scene...so it's like catching them if they once wander in for the first time in years and keeping hold ;-)

[maxauburn.livejournal.com]

I wish you success at finding a man... A good man is
difficult to find!

The tough part is keeping him.. a relationship is a lot
of work!

I was in one for 17 years.. so, I have a little experience
at that!

[robearal.livejournal.com]

Whenever I hear the phrase "pursuit of happiness", I think of this clip from the 70s (pertinent bit around 1:20-1:30) -- which you would probably not have seen in the UK.