Grown-Up Cliques

Call me naive, but I always thought once we got out of high school and college that the cliques would kind of go away and people would be more open as adults. That is certainly not the case. In fact, I think people are almost even worse now. It seems to me that people in their 20s and 30s have their groups of friends and are satisfied, so they don't feel the need to open up or be super friendly towards other who may look a bit lost. And I'm pretty sure I was one of those looking a bit lost tonight. I went to services, and before services there is a cocktail hour of sorts. I didn't know anyone there, so I kind of stood off to the side, feeling both like an idiot and a bit lonely. A nice guy came over and chatted with me, but then his friend showed up, so that ended that. Luckily services began shortly thereafter, and I ran into someone I met last time I came to services, so I sat with him. Services themselves were special tonight as the congregation celebrated the upcoming marriage of 2 couples. It was super fun as everyone got to throw candy at them after they received their blessing, and then got up and danced with them. At the end of services I was feeling a bit sentimental and just wasn't willing to deal with dinner and once again either finding someone I knew or butting in on a group of already established friends, so I just came home. It all really made me really miss my community back in Santa Barbara at Hillel. I guess I really want what everyone else seems to have, and I'm not quite sure how to get it. To be fair, this was only my second time attending services here, so I know I need to give it more of a chance. And I really do love the rabbi and the atmosphere at services. I just need to suck it up I guess, stop being so shy, and try to more actively make friends. Ugh. Wish me luck!