I Love, and I Am Loved (That’s Not A Brag, But A Reminder During Any Lonely L.A. Times)

May 16, 2013

This is a continuation of an idea from yesterday –

though this idea has been sitting in my drafts folder for what seems like forever. I was going to put it in some posts after my 52 half marathons. But, then I never did. So, I’m just throwing it in there now.

L.A. is kind of a lonely place. (And side note related to what we’ve been talking about the past few days: I think that’s part of the reason it was easy to start using Facebook more often while living out here (especially in the unemployed times). It’s kind of like talking to people… only not really.)

In Los Angeles, people get used to being alone. We have huge apartments. (There’s so much space out here!) Most people spend tons and tons of time in their cars (their little alone boxes). There’s very little reason to live out here if you’re not in the industry. So, we’re all constantly hustling for more jobs – and trying to make money however we can until we become [insert glamorous job title we’re chasing here].

Plus, everything is so far away from everything else. And traffic is so intense. So, I understand why unless you live or work right by the people you like, you will never see them. I understand all of that.

But, what I learned during the 52 half marathons is that if ever I do feel lonely in L.A., I should remember that I love and I am loved.

I saw so many friends over the course of the year while visiting people in different states. I also met a lot of new cool people all the time at expos and events. It’s amazing how many nice, lovely people there are out there to hang out with – if you just go hang out with them.

And tying this idea in with yesterday, something for me to remember is if ever I’m thinking, “Man, I’ve barely talked to any human beings this week,” (especially during a time of unemployment) – friendship is a two-way street.

If I wished more people hung out with me or texted me – am I doing that for other people? You get back what you give, you know?

So, that just makes the whole idea of being “too busy” to hang out with people that much more… I don’t know, not ironic, I guess. But, just generally weird. ‘Cause there’s yet another disconnect. I complain that I don’t hang out with enough people – yet, I don’t always make the effort to be a good friend.

(Did anything in this post even make sense?)

Tomorrow, I’m I’ll start a post some final thoughts (at least for now) on friendship (and birthdays) and Facebook. Then we’ll talk about other stuff.

I'd love to hear from you! So whaddya say?