Congratulations. You've Reached the Age of Selective Participation.

I've noticed something about getting older.

I haven't necessarily become less social.

I've become more interested in the terms and conditions.

What time does this thing start?

How many people are going?

Is there seating?

Will somebody expect me to participate in a group activity?

And most importantly, how difficult will it be to leave?

At twenty-five, somebody could call at 10 PM and say, "We're going out."

Fantastic. Where?

At fifty-five, somebody calls at 10 PM and I assume there's been a death in the family.

But here's the funny part.

When I do get together with the right people, I usually have a great time.

I laugh. I tell stories. I wonder why I don't do it more often.

Then I get home, put on comfortable clothes, and remember exactly why.

I don't think this means we've stopped enjoying people.

I think we've finally learned the difference between wanting company and needing constant activity.

A quiet evening isn't a wasted evening.

Neither is a night spent laughing with friends.

The trick is knowing which one you need.

And occasionally leaving the house before you talk yourself out of it.

The biggest Gen X online house party ever.

Congratulations. You've Reached the Age of Selective Participation.

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Written by a member of The GXA: GenX Forum.