The Bangalore Social - II
It took me a long time in life to realize that I am, at heart, an introverted person. Social interactions, especially with large groups, tend to drain my energy. āBut you seem to talk well with a lot of people and you look happy when you are with themā. I am, but I usually yearn to go back home after a while. I find more comfort and fulfillment in spending long hours with a good book than in prolonged conversations with others.
Ironically, I have moved back to India, where both my partner and I have large families. I returned just as the monsoon season ended, marking the beginning of the festival season. Festivals bring people together, which means more conversationsāoften about the most mundane things. Conversations typically begin with pleasantries, followed by a main course of discussions about the difficulties of navigating the streets and the reluctance to use the metro, which many find too crowded. The conversation often concludes with a dessert of religion and caste-based politics, where unwavering support for the nation's supreme leader is the norm, and any criticism is quickly shut down. I've even heard comments like, "They've come back from Singapore; they donāt understand the ground reality"āa perfect aftermint to the conversation. If you donāt agree to the eldersā view about the current political landscape or even question it a little bit, then people get agitated. I get to see the true nature of people inside while I learn something about the sentiment on the ground. A win-win for me :D
Today, I've decided to enjoy some time on my own. I'll be writing a blog post, taking care of a few household tasks, listening to some music, and then heading to a DIY art session. Sounds like a good Saturday to me! More on my experiences with people here in Bangalore coming soon. Have fun! :)