This entry's song: Milo 7 (The Velvet Teen, The Great Beast February/Comasynthesis).

I always forget how powerfully uplifting human interaction can be. Over the past week or so I've had the privilege of spending some really good, quality time with friends, both old and new, and that has been so great. Although my social insecurities often steer me towards alone time, hanging out with people never fails to leave me with a sense of connection and accomplishment. Even the most trying, uncomfortable, weird, painful, or awkward times I've spent with people have still left me feeling greater fulfillment than before the engagement. Such interaction instills me with the sense of having participated in life more fully. Even those more "lifeless" activities such as playing online chess (which I still do way too much of - now it's hearts too!) or watching TV are majorly heightened with company.

Hanging out with people ranks high up there on my list of those things in life that truly hold significance. Human conversation and physical interaction can be hugely invigorating experiences, and while I easily grow bored with most talk, there are times when these two activities can affect a gigantic mood swing in the positive direction. Today, for instance, I woke up feeling kind of dulled down - not sad per say, but just very mediocre. After a day spent reacquainting with an old friend however, really almost getting to know her for the first time, I feel refreshed and encouraged. I'd not anticipated this reaction at all, in fact I was kind of tentative about getting together; but lo and behold, I've come away from our time together very positively affected.

This feels a bit garbled, but the point is really only this: people need people, and one's happiness truly depends on his or her involvement with others. To remember and practice this ideology is a goodness both to others and to one's self.