Hey, I'm all about the hugging and groping and physicality (another one of those ways where I'm incredibly, typically of my background) but anyone comes up behind me and tries to hug me, they may well come back with a shiner.

I think a lot of people, introvert or extrovert, have what I call "dance space" boundaries.

And Dirty Jobs is the only reason I can come up with to get cable.

Adult Swim, man!!!

And, uh, I'm going to have to get cable before the election kicks into high gear. I can't help it. I need to see what's happening.

signed,
It's Been 8 Months and I'm Surprisingly Okay With 2 1/2 Channels

Yeah, the more I hear about F2Fs, the more I think I wouldn't enjoy it. I don't really want to be groped by anyone, even my invisible online friends.

See, I *knew* that with my penchant for melodramatic retellings, I'd make an F2F sound like Tailhook, and it is SO NOT.

98% of the time is hanging out in smaller groups for excursions and whatnot that are grope-free (was there groping at The House on the Rock???). And, honestly, the kissing and snuggling and stuff that could be considered groping are really really REALLY mutual.

PLEASE don't read my overreaction to a stealth backrub as reason to worry that an F2F is like Tailhook. I am at the far, far, FAR end of the curve on touchy-feely-ness.

Yeah, the more I hear about F2Fs, the more I think I wouldn't enjoy it. I don't really want to be groped by anyone, even my invisible online friends. I *am* an extrovert who likes big parties but all these stories of anxiety and groping kissing are making me wonder if I would would run screaming from an F2F.

I don't think it's as bad as all that. I think we're all pretty cool about who does/does not want to be groped or fondled or whatever.

I mean, if you really don't want to take chances, just announce "Do NOT grope me!" and prove your point by double-karate chopping (tm Capt. James T. Kirk) the first mofo to get too close.

That's what I do.

I'm going in for my first ever acupuncture session in a little bit. I'm nervous and excited!

Ooh! Have fun! I had a few sessions a while back just to see what it would be like and it was completely relaxing. I don't know that it did anything (then again I didn't go for a specific reason) but I did come out of the sessions all calm and centered.

(MFNLaw and I call ourselves "gregarious introverts", IIRC.)

Ah, yeah, I think this is where i am on the continuum. I was kind of painfully shy as a child which people never believe. Now, I do well in groups large and small of people I know and am good one on one with strangers, I think, but don't like the big groups of strangers unless, like Suzi said, I have a Purpose for being there. And regardless of the group asize or level of acquaintence I need to be able to take breaks to be by myself or with one or two close friends.

I mean, if you really don't want to take chances, just announce "Do NOT grope me!" and prove your point by double-karate chopping (tm Capt. James T. Kirk) the first mofo to get too close.

That's what I do.

as if you've EVER said Do Not Grope me. Whatev!

I'm having a sudden image of little rutabagas on necklaces that serve as indicators as to how enthusiastic people can get without warning.

I don't think it's as bad as all that. I think we're all pretty cool about who does/does not want to be groped or fondled or whatever.

This is the impression I have from my one F2F. I was only groped once that I can recall, and it had been invited. I think we mostly just use "grope" as shorthand.

am good one on one with strangers, I think

Yes, I think you are, too. (Insert lame joke about "no one's stranger than me!" here)

was there groping at The House on the Rock???)

Not that I recall.

Yeah, the more I hear about F2Fs, the more I think I wouldn't enjoy it. I don't really want to be groped by anyone, even my invisible online friends. I *am* an extrovert who likes big parties but all these stories of anxiety and groping kissing are making me wonder if I would would run screaming from an F2F.

You might not, but the groping and kissing are such a small part of it. As is, for me, the anxiety. As long as *I* know what *I* need, I'll make sure I get it - by way of slipping off for some alone or semi-alone time. The larger part is reconnecting in a tangible way these people I only get to exchange bytes and fonts with. You learn so much more about someone seeing their face light up when they talk about their kids or their job, or seeing their eyes burn when you talk about ex-FACs or ex-Bosses. Sharing a laugh with "Remember Dana's COW-irker?" or "Bwahahahaha! Muffaletta!" or "Take a picture of that for Jilli!" The groping and kissing is a huge pile of icing next to the empty cake plate I just cleaned off.

I'm having a sudden image of little rutabagas on necklaces that serve as indicators as to how enthusiastic people can get without warning.

Way snazzier than those stickers! But what would grope-friendly people wear?