straw poll

[rising_moon]

If friends of yours issue an open invitation to some event or activity that they think is fun, and you choose not to participate because you're not interested, do you feel left out anyway?

If so: Is it worse, the feeling of being left out, if you can still see them, right over there, having fun doing something that you don't enjoy?

EDIT (for slyppi,

Comments

[hfcougar]

It depends on how badly I wanted to spend time with those particular friends at that particular time. I often feel left out because of having to make the choice between not spending time with them, or doing something I don't enjoy.

(In fact, sometimes I feel left out even if I choose to do the thing I don't enjoy and am still right there with them... It's hard to explain.)

[lanome]

1) Absolutely. Especially when afterwards everyone is talking about the great time they had, and I just have to keep repeating to myself, "That's not my kind of thing. I would have been unhappy."

Not sure about the if so bit.

[rising_moon]

All that's involved is interest. And you yourself are totally welcome to participate, it's just not your cup of tea. Somewhere north of meh and south of squick.

[baronessv]

Yeah, but I also get over it pretty fast.

I guess it depends on what I've chosen to do instead :) I've had a couple of nights where I walked by the goth club on my way to see a show and given everyone out smoking a wave and a smile and been glad I wasn't standing around hating the music and wishing I were wearing comfortable shoes.

[slyppi]

If: Often, depending on my mood and what else I'm doing instead.

If so: Always--if I do feel left out even though I'm not interested, watching what I'm left out of always makes it worse.

Why do you ask?