Narcissism and the Digital Age

Has modern technology and cyberspace, endless blogging and Facebook entries, created a world filled with narcissists?   

Is effective communication in important relationships and treating cohorts with kindness, courtesy, chivalry, a lost skill? Do the masses hide behind a façade of technical know-how, never having to own up to bad behaviors or a lack of interpersonal finesse? 

Are you unconscious as to the considerable influence you have on those you encounter?  Does the thought of helping friends, family, and neighbors rarely occur, constantly consumed with your own benefit and welfare?

Are you primarily preoccupied with posting what you’re doing, seeing, believing, that you don’t notice anyone else in the picture, literally and figuratively?

Whatever happened to the “we” generation of the past where the central concern was making the world a better place, by contributing to a cause and constituting a difference?

Front page exposure, announcing your every move, wasn’t the main motivation. Attention was directed to curing poverty and sickness, ending the war, promoting peaceful solutions.

A majority volunteered at food banks and free clinics, marched against the war, spent spare time protesting injustices, attempting to eliminate bigotry, prejudice, violence, abuse, discrimination. 

Today it’s a fight for more coverage online, extended profiles, the attainment of money, property, and prestige, no matter who you have to step on in the process.

Hence, it’s no surprise there’s a surplus of strife and stress. Lack of unity and bonding prevails. A massive state of separateness is the norm.

The earth be over crowded, albeit seemingly smaller, since developing a “me and me alone” mentality.

It’s especially difficult for single people to find meaningful links. Internet dating exasperates the problem, promoting superficial ties as a substitution for intimacy and significant attachments.    

How on earth can we turn around this phenomenon?  It’s simple.  Start by accepting and acting on the following notions. 

Autumn is the season for magnificent changes. Leaves are turning stunning colors; the last of the scrumptious summer crops are ready for harvest; days are cooling off and winding down; the holiday season is slowly, softly, silently approaching.

This is the apropos moment to begin your private transformation.  Venture away from the confined cubicle of your mind and body. Summon the courage to commune with like minded folks face to face, leaving your once removed relationships with the internet behind.

Take a break from your keyboard, boob tube, and all digital apparatus. Open your hands and hearts to be held by humans in the flesh, rather than contact via hand held devices.

Then be prepared for a winter overflowing with joy, camaraderie, closeness, and connection, as opposed to a winter of discontent, loneliness, isolation, and emptiness.

Utilize the skills listed in Single in Studio City’s previous column called “Party Protocol.” Attend the Fabulous Fun Fall Dinner Dance, Sunday October 6th, 6pm, 4145 Nogales Dr., Tarzana, CA 91356 in the gorgeous home of gracious host, Fred Gansky. in the hills of Tarzana south of the Boulevard. 

Enjoy this final opportunity of the year to revel in a fantastic outdoor ambience, richly romantic setting, under the spectacular stars, in the beautiful hills south of the Boulevard.

Anticipate meeting loads of eligible bachelors/bachelorettes ages 40 plus. More than 15 different singles organizations, including meetup groups; hiking, dancing, dining, and travel clubs; matchmaking, dating, and life coaching associations, have been invited.

Quantity is crucial to attract quality, which makes your presence at this party the perfect chance to allure the man/woman of your dreams.  

You don’t have to spend yet another holiday season wallowing in the sad status of singledom. Be proactive. Mr./Ms. Right won’t come knocking at your door or landing at the bottom of your chimney.

Entertainment for the evening is the fantastic Donald Dean Band to keep you rockin,’  rollin,’ and dancin’ the night away, playing your favorite hits of the 60’s 70’s and 80’s. Check them out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9UXA0v8nU8.

Savory salads galore will be served featuring these delightfully delectable dishes:     

Mixed Greens Salad with Vegetables-Field greens with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, onions, walnuts, olives, celery, carrots and Italian dressing.

Pesto Chicken Penne Salad-Chunks of chicken breasts, black olives, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, penne pasta and pesto sauce.

Thai Peanut Salad With Shrimp-Baby Shrimp, shredded carrots, sliced almonds, linguini and Thai peanut sauce (Cheesecake Factory)

Italian Pasta Salad with Sun Dried Tomatoes-Bow tie pasta (farfalle), black olives, pine nuts, sun dried tomatoes, olive oil, parmesan cheese.

Edamame Salad-Choice cooked edamame with brown rice, diced red peppers, sliced almonds, canola oil, toasted sesame oil, sweet chili sauce.

Antipasto Pasta Salad-Genoa salami, pepperoni sausage, rotini pasta, artichokes, garbanzo beans, Asiago cheese, red and green bell peppers, black olives, chopped red onions, cherry tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, parsley.

Because of insurance restrictions, no alcohol is offered or allowed on the premises, however, plenty of bottled water and soft drinks are available.

Be sure and reserve early to hold your spot. No more than 200 can be accepted.

Prepayment is $20 at:
http://lasinglessociety.com/admin/articles/preview.php?article=1096; by sending a check to Harkitt Corporation (parent company of LA Singles Society), 4145 Nogales Dr., Tarzana, CA 91356; or by calling Fred Gansky at 818-342-3311 with your credit card information. Deadline is 11:00 PM Sat, October 5. The cost is $25 at the door if space permits.