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marla191792 wrote:

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Probably because my views are in the minority in most of the socializing situations I am in.

Tim mentioned the above as a reason that he kinda 'clams up' sometimes, and several other people here also mentioned boredom with mundane conversation. I wonder if it is simple boredom or actually more induced boredom due to a perceived inability to express what we want to say?

I don't know if I'm making sense. After thinking about it, I considered that I often get 'bored' with conversation, but mostly because I feel that I cannot say what I really want to say, so then the conversation quickly becomes quite dull (smile, nod, smile ...). A friend said to me recently that he noticed that I always think I'm going to be judged harshly on everything. Maybe that is the Pentecostalism ... I mean, if our views were in the minority, and we spoke up, we got smacked down pretty quickly, didn't we? We may have developed a strong sense of danger about saying what we really think or taking conversation in new directions?

Anyone opinions on that?

I think it depends on the situation. In this county- you're more likely to encounter a "staunch conservative" (who often are as abusive as Pentecostals in my experience), or you'll encounter "Good Christians" (Dominionist/fundamentalist or D/F learning)- and I think both go hand in hand. Speaking what you think is very likely to bring about a fight... and possibly even be dangerous. Family members have expressed concern over my "speaking my mind" in public because they think the P/D/F will get angry and find a way to retaliate (even though I do try to moderate my "tone"). So in social situations here I have to carefully watch what I say, and I do get bored.

I don't associate with anyone away from school because I'm past tired of having to listen to sermons and P/D/F (or uberConservative) BS. I even avoid talking to my neighbors because of their entrenched and hostile politics*- and the people in this area DO like to try to force their views on anyone who don't agree (just like P/D/Fs).

In comparison, the people at school do listen, and while they may not always agree, they're willing to agree to disagree if necessary (and they generally don't force the issue)- and they're also willing to discuss things. The only exception is when someone comes out with something rather bigoted, and I understand and agree with that.

* McCain/Palin won this county by a huge margin. People all over this county were ranting and raving for a week after the election, claiming that the results were invalid and the wrong people were chosen. I still hear that on a regular basis, although it has died down some!