Home Aloning

AFTER SIX MONTHS OF IT, I've finally decided that this shelter in place self quarantining business works for me. I can still go places, I just avoid crowds, which I tend to do anyway, a crowd being defined as one or more human beings outside my own body. I'm sixty five now, most of my friends are about my age, and we are contentedly resigned to be friends from a distance for awhile. We can party later, if there is a later. At our age, it doesn't take long to party. The other category consists of friends from forty years ago who moved away long ago and didn't keep in touch. During the pandemic I've reconnected with several of them. They all seem to be doing well, and they all seem to have one thing in common.  They all seem to be bursting at the seams to share their personal interests with me, as if they're brimming and boiling over. Their interests are varied and weird. Depressingly, there's an abundance of right wing conspiracy theories and wacko political and religious beliefs among them. Also, my long lost friends seem more interested in spewing forth their strange interests and beliefs than saying hello to me or asking me whether I'm well and happy and productive. They never make any inquiries about me at all, and when I volunteer my beliefs and interests I receive no response or reaction. Straight back to their wacko right wing conspiracy theories the conversation goes. This level of self absorption I find dismaying, but upon reflection, not surprising.Indeed, my impression, gained from having lived my entire life in teh United States of Allabout me, is that self absorption is a primary American cultural characteristic, like racism or obesity. So, well, self quarantining sheltering in place suits me fine. It may in face become my mode from here on out. With regard to parties and sizzling socializing; been there, done that.For entertainment and information, I'm good to go at home. Hell, I can be just as self absorbed as the next American citizen.