An Ode to Self Care

I’m not a very sociable guy, but I want to get out there and meet some new people and possibly find someone. What are the best ways to take that initial step out of my comfort zone?

I believe the first step is establishing a base where you feel safe and secure and exploring from there. Maybe go out with that friend who is always inviting you out if you feel up to it. Interact with people who share the same hobbies and interests with you and people don’t bite that often, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there if yourself able to both mentally and physically.

Is being honest more important than not wanting to hurt someone’s feelings?

I say being honest is always more important, especially if you consider the person in question to be close to you in any way. Obviously reserve your honesty if you know being forthright is going to cause more problems than solutions then by all means, curb your honesty, but the old saying is pretty spot-on: “The truth will set you free.” What they don’t tell you is that the truth will probably piss you off first, but it’ll set you free.

What is your opinion on age when it comes to potential partners? I’m 18 and I’ve recently been getting to know someone who is around 23 years old. When I think about it, it bothers me a little, but I’d like to think age is just a number.

I’m in the same boat as you where I would like to think that age is just a number, and it is, but by that same measure that number can be indicative of so much and what that person has going on in their life. It’s not always the best idea though, I’ve seen too many young people not know what they are getting into and a handful of older people who were just taking advantage of youth.

Do you think it’s better to get married when you’re young or better to wait a while? I noticed a lot of people I knew from high school are getting married.

I don’t know how much I can actually speak to this because I’m not married nor have I ever met anyone who has ever given me the thought, but I’m a big advocate of waiting either way. I log into Facebook and see my friends are getting engaged or expecting children or both, and I constantly wonder if I too am supposed to be somewhere similar but then I realize there’s so much growth I have to do financially, mentally and emotionally before I can give myself to someone like that and I think that’s where people our age who are doing these things get stuck. Don’t buy into this idea that you’re supposed to be somewhere in your life if you’re not ready. Just keep doing you.

If you’d like to ask a question you can do so anonymously at lascivious-witch.tumblr.com/ask or directly at jacksonsk@commonwealthtimes.com (anonymity) will be preserved.  

Shaun Jackson

Staff Columnist