5+ hour road trip that accomplished nothing...

[No Vested Interest]

15. It occurs to me that being part of a semi-large group- 12-30 people-

where you could be more or less an observer for a good period, would be an opportunity to feel your way socially without too much obligation, -i.e.- the feeling that all eyes were on you and that you had to live up to others' expectations.

I'm thinking of something like a book club open to the public, such as a library would sponsor. Perhaps a volunteer group working together for a common goal.

I know, it's easy for me to sit at a keyboard and type suggestions that you may have already tried, or that don't exist where you live, but it could be used as a springboard to what might realistically be out there.

I'm thinking a little daytime or evening separation time from parents can be helpful for all concerned. It's gives one another look at a portion of humanity and builds up our experience in dealing with and feeling comfortable about our interaction with them.

Build on your 7-11 experience; you surely dealt with all types of humanity there, and apparently quite successfully. Relating your experiences with the experiences you will have in a group setting enlarges your world and your ability to cope and relate.

What do you think? Could that be helpful, or am I way off track? If I'm out-of-order in these suggestions, please forgive me. They're well-intended, and like everyone, it's possible that I can bomb too.