The Cliques

I was watching Hubs and The Kid eat dinner

Taking great care that each food group not touch the other

Going so far as to delineate spaces in between each

~ ~ ~

Which made wonder...

Why do humans seem to organize themselves into groups?

We join art groups, support groups, mom groups, biker groups, 

save the whale groups, purple hat groups, old groups,

 young groups,  fitness groups...

call ourselves clans,

 tribes, peeps

cliques

There are social advantages to organizing into groups

Some offer companionship, networking, foster change

support during rough times or share a common interest

Some people seem to need a group to function

While others seem to get along just fine without

Some need a group for a little while

While others make it a lifelong commitment

(did I mention how intriguing people can be)

The dynamics within a group are fascinating

People tend to fall into leader follower roles

(imagine how fun it is in groups w/ strong personalities like bikers)

Some feel the need to be the center of attention

Others giving in to keep the peace

Small worlds within a larger world

You see the best and worst of a person

Some with wisdom beyond their years and others behaving like teens

You see those that are blind and those that see all

(It really is intriguing to watch)

As for me

I finally accepted that I don't like belonging to groups

Sometimes I'll get bored and try it 

And quickly remember that it's not for me

Then share laughs as we mock fun at the latest grouping attempt

The thing is we're all different

It's what makes us so interesting and unique

What's good for one isn't good for all

The world is like one vast playground begging to be explored

~ ~ ~

I reach over to The Kid's plate and plop a spoonful of peas on his potatoes

and push Hub's veggies into his steak

and laugh at the mock-horror on their faces