Just a bit of additions to things I said last time...

There's been a disturbing reoccurring theme, instigated by a few parties, that has been happening lately, which begins with a "Hey, lets/I'd like to get together _____" (where _____ could be weekend, week, day, whatever). I reply "Great! I'm free on X, Y and Z."

And then…

Nothing. No response via email, no phone call, nothing. What gives?

I don't understand this at all. Why even mention anything? Why say you would like to do something if you don't want to? Is it a case where K < A, where A=anything else (a la past rant)? Is it a case of ego boosting, just checking the number of people who will say yes to their summons? Is it a case of 'promiscuity', ie, one never wants to be alone, so they line up a bunch of possibilities and just go with whatever strikes at the moment? Is it some sort of other game?

Well, I've had it. No more of this bullshit. It's already at the point where if someone says those words, I just roll my eyes. On the off chance it's legit, I still do say when I'll be free and try to set something up, but I certainly don't count on it. If someone hasn't proven themselves to be trustworthy enough to go by their word, then I won't feel tied to any tenuous phrases. (And yes, I have tried on occasion to contact them in return during the date(s) in question. Haven't gotten anywhere that way either.) When done repeatedly, this is truly inconsiderate--while it certainly isn't like there were definite plans, nonetheless it is an insult. Lip service. Maybe I come from a background different from those who used such throwaway lines all the times within their circle of acquaintances, and that is fair, for this is my rant page and I am saying what bugs me. }:) And for me, if someone says 'lets get together during a specific timeframe', then unless either one of us later indicates that there could be problems or reasons why we can't, I expect SOME communication.

I guess I always ask for much.

This one is an addendum to the Communications note 1 on the previous page, and deals with an opposite. (My life seems to revolve around problems between opposite extremes) Being quiet when the conversation is about something one doesn't know about, or has nothing to add... and then one of the people looks at you and says "You're being awfully quiet."

How is one supposed to answer that?

What would be better, butting in with weird responses that don't make sense because I don't understand, or forcibly trying to change the conversation? What's wrong with being quiet for a while, observing, and even learning?

What is the person who asks that question trying to achieve? Prove? Gain?