> When I skip big gatherings of strangers, I’m not just being a little rude to the individual people around me, I’m being uncivil in a larger sense.
I just can't follow this reasoning. People are not entitled to my casual time. I am delighted that there are people in my life who wish I were present more, and it's unfortunate for all concerned that I do not always feel inclined to be. But it is not a wrong done, just an unfortunate circumstance.
I just can't follow this reasoning. People are not entitled to my casual time. I am delighted that there are people in my life who wish I were present more, and it's unfortunate for all concerned that I do not always feel inclined to be. But it is not a wrong done, just an unfortunate circumstance.