Becoming a boring person...

[Ultralight]

Disclaimer: This is not meant to be judgmental of others' lifestyles. So no underwear need get bunched up.

Okay, I have been a bit concerned over the past several months. My concern is that I am becoming a boring, humdrum person, a totally uninteresting person.

I work an uninteresting job -- it is of no interest to me or any poor soul that asks: "What do you do?"

Most nights of the week I either read books or have dinner with 1-10 atheist friends or walk my dog. Soon I will be taking a couple classes at the university -- in social work, which is either boring or disheartening to most folks.

I am not uniquely skilled at anything presently, nor am I especially funny. I am not remotely successful professionally. I am rapidly becoming rather bland. Welcome to Blandsville, population: 1 (me).

The most notable thing about me -- and this is not all that notable -- is that in May I took a trip to the Middle East (not something a lot of Midwestern folks do).

So I am open to suggestions. I am crowd-sourcing this.

Any ideas on becoming a more interesting person?
No limits here. Say anything!

Thanks.

Your friend,

UL

[bae]

What's wrong with being boring?

[Ultralight]

What's wrong with being boring?

What is wrong with being boring, like in the general sense, or specific to me?

[bae]

What is wrong with being boring, like in the general sense, or specific to me?

To you!

https://img2.mokum.place/system/images/stage1/000/027/213-951e7bb0-8cea-48d4-b0fd-f227801e9aaf.jpg

[Chicken lady]

Why do you want to be more interesting?

[Geila]

What would not-boring look like to you?

Maybe you're feeling lonely? Would a romantic partner make your current life satisfying rather than boring?

[Ultralight]

To you!

https://img2.mokum.place/system/images/stage1/000/027/213-951e7bb0-8cea-48d4-b0fd-f227801e9aaf.jpg

I have read most of this book. I really like it and have a quote from it on the entry to my cubicle at work.

[Ultralight]

What would not-boring look like to you?

Maybe you're feeling lonely? Would a romantic partner make your current life satisfying rather than boring?

I am seeing someone, sort of. But there are a few women who are interested in me at the moment. I will say: I am not the freewheelin' young man I once was. When it comes to women I just want one -- who is trustworthy, shares my values, and can integrate to a reasonable degree into my lifestyle.

[Ultralight]

Why do you want to be more interesting?

I am bored with myself, in a way.

[ApatheticNoMore]

Is it boring to you or just worried it looks boring for others? I mean it has all the elements many people want (or expect anyway). Ok, ok, some might want a romantic partner, fair enough on that one (some want families but I know that's not you). I'm just saying it's pretty ok as far as meeting most basic needs being you see people several nights a week, do things that interest you (I guess with the reading) etc.. So blandsville must have a very large population indeed. It's getting crowded in blandsville.

[Ultralight]

Is it boring to you or just worried it looks boring for others? I mean it has all the elements many people want (or expect anyway). Ok, ok, some might want a romantic partner, fair enough on that one (some want families but I know that's not you). I'm just saying it's pretty ok as far as meeting most basic needs being you see people several nights a week, do things that interest you (I guess with the reading) etc.. So blandsville must have a very large population indeed. It's getting crowded in blandsville.

It is not about what others think. In fact, from what I have seen, even when someone does something interesting few others are really interested. But that person who is interesting is more interesting!

So I will see others, like at work. They mostly talk about the local sports team or some show on TV. "Did you see the guy that caught that ball?"
"Yes!"
"Amazing!"

Or: "Did you already see the episode where Glenn flies the plane?"
"Yes, it was amazing!"
"Sure was!"

But that stuff is not amazing to me. That stuff is amusement -- or as Orwell called it: Prolefeed.

While I love reading books, when I read a lot I feel like perhaps these are just amusements or than I am merely amusing myself. It is as though I come out of a dream and realize I have done nothing. It does not sit right with me.

I have been kicking around this observation:
Interesting people take something in their life to the extreme.

There is one interesting person at my work. She is a skydiver. She skydives numerous times every weekend. While I don't have an interest in skydiving, it is something she takes to the extreme.

What I have noticed about boring folks (don't get me wrong, many of these boring folks are quite happy with their lives!) is that they do most things within moderate ranges and they engage mostly in normative activities (not skydiving, but rather going to happy hour on Thursdays; not kayaking around Manhattan but binge-watching a show on Netflix; and so on).

[Ultralight]

Here is another example:

I know this guy, from the old neighborhood. He is interesting because he is a bicycle racer. He does 150 mile races and blares down the road at kick-butt speeds. And when he wants something more mellow he flies a paramotor. He also married a Japanese woman and has been learning to speak Japanese.

[catherine]

While I love reading books, when I read a lot I feel like perhaps these are just amusements or than I am merely amusing myself. It is as though I come out of a dream and realize I have done nothing. It does not sit right with me.

I have been kicking around this observation:
Interesting people take something in their life to the extreme.



A. Anyone who reads a lot of books is by definition an interesting person, at least to me. If I went to dinner with you, I'm sure I would not find you boring. There are so few of you around!

B. Maybe doing extreme activities is one definition of interesting but not the only one. My brother drinks to an extreme. That does not make HIM interesting.

My definition of an interesting person is an interested person. People who are curious, questioning, delightful, those are interesting people.


ETA: I stayed at an air-BNB a few weeks ago. I wrote a review of my hosts, and they also I guess are supposed to write a review of me (supposedly to inform airBNB hosts). I was really shocked by how they described me: "independent and interesting." ?? I'm the person you describe as being non-interesting.. just plugging along doing a lot of nothing special. So I don't know why I came across as interesting. Maybe because I was very interestED in their farm and asked a lot of questions about their gardens and sculptures.

[ApatheticNoMore]

do you define interesting as a lot of adrenalin, thrill seeking? Seems where it might be going. That's some people's definition, not everyone (oh the propensity is almost certainly genetic - but maybe everyone likes a little bit). Yea someone who reads a lot of books has a good chance of being interesting IMO, but it doesn't mean one needs to spend every spare hour staring at ink on paper or the electronic equivalent. :~)

[iris lilies]

So, you bore yourself. Sorry, I cant relate.

There isnt enough hours in the day to do what I want to do, even if a lot of it is sitting around, messing on a digital thingie. But I just got in from 3 hours of weeding, so I did accomplish somethng today. Digging out Bermuda grass is a zen exercise, I find it worthwhile.

[pony mom]

I'm probably a boring person as well. Since living a more simple life, I spend more time doing the things that interest me, which isn't a long list. Spending time with my horse and dog, reading, learning things on the internet (lots of learning about horses and dogs) among other things. My job is physically exhausting from being on my feet all day, so I don't do things that keep me out late.

But am I bored? Not really. Others may see my interests as boring, but they aren't to me. Some of the things I've done may be considered interesting to other people, like many trips to London, a hot air balloon ride, Broadway shows, opera simulcasts, etc. But perhaps only interesting to others who are curious about doing those things.

So are you bored? Maybe being a daredevil-type person would make you interesting to others, but do you want to be like that, or just impress people with a story now and then? Try something outside your comfort zone. Do you think your atheist friends are boring? I think that being around people unlike yourself gives you a different perspective on things.

[Ultralight]

So, you bore yourself. Sorry, I cant relate.

There seent enough hours in the day to do what I want to do, even if a lot of it is sitting around, messing on a digital thingie. But I just got in from 3 hours of weeding, so I did accomplish somethng today. Digging
out Bermuda grass is a zen exercise, I find it worthwhile.

When I lived out in Phoenix there was this dude named Kenny. He was a very interesting man in his early 30s. His life revolved around gardening -- he ran a community garden. The place has plots for "rent," plots for anyone, a micro orchard, a composting station, and even helped grow some sunflowers for producing bio fuels.
He was not a thrill seeker, but he was interesting.

[Chicken lady]

It sounds less like you are concerned about being boring and more like you are bored (only boring people get bored?)

i think you are just searching for your next big thing - your environment and schedule are so simplified that they don't offer you enough stimulation.

[creaker]

I expect I'd be deadly boring to a lot of people. But they aren't the ones who have to spend every waking moment with me :-) Only I do. So I'll continue catering to my own tastes, thanks.

[Geila]

Yes, you sound bored.

My life is pretty boring but I'm happy with it. And I'm pretty sure I'm a very boring person. But again, I'm happy so it doesn't bother me.

I recall reading that you lost your passion for fishing? Have you replaced that interest with anything else?

I go through 6 month cycles of interest for most things. I get really intensely into something, pursue it wholeheartedly, and then burn out and move on to something else. A few interests have stood the test of time - DH! :), my pets, gardening, and a few others. But having something new to look forward to is always nice.

Maybe you need some new things to get you out of your rut? If so, what seems interesting?

Hey - how about you tackle your fear of dancing by taking a dancing class?! That would get your adrenaline going pretty quick!

[ToomuchStuff]

You might try reading the original book by Danny Wallace, Yes Man. And yes, they took a fictionalized, stylized bit of his life to make into that movie. (the movie is not as good as the real life story)

[Ultralight]

do you define interesting as a lot of adrenalin, thrill seeking? Seems where it might be going. That's some people's definition, not everyone (oh the propensity is almost certainly genetic - but maybe everyone likes a little bit). Yea someone who reads a lot of books has a good chance of being interesting IMO, but it doesn't mean one needs to spend every spare hour staring at ink on paper or the electronic equivalent. :~)

I am not an adrenaline junky at all. Once in a while a big thrill is fun; I enjoyed ziplining, for instance.

[Ultralight]

Yes, you sound bored.

My life is pretty boring but I'm happy with it. And I'm pretty sure I'm a very boring person. But again, I'm happy so it doesn't bother me.

I recall reading that you lost your passion for fishing? Have you replaced that interest with anything else?

I go through 6 month cycles of interest for most things. I get really intensely into something, pursue it wholeheartedly, and then burn out and move on to something else. A few interests have stood the test of time - DH! :), my pets, gardening, and a few others. But having something new to look forward to is always nice.

Maybe you need some new things to get you out of your rut? If so, what seems interesting?

Hey - how about you tackle your fear of dancing by taking a dancing class?! That would get your adrenaline going pretty quick!
I already learned to dance from Dance Floor Arsenal (and I suggest it to any straight white man who has never danced).

[Ultralight]

It sounds less like you are concerned about being boring and more like you are bored (only boring people get bored?)

I feel restless more than bored. I usually only get bored at work. Plenty of people who are boring don't themselves feel bored. I don't feel bored as much as I feel like I am becoming a boring person.

There are always books to read, so I can stave off boredom that way if by no other method.


i think you are just searching for your next big thing - your environment and schedule are so simplified that they don't offer you enough stimulation.

I may be searching for my next big thing. I thought it was going to be bike touring. But I simply cannot find a bike and/or saddle that does not hurt like a son-of-a-b@#%&*!

So I will stick to just commuting, I guess.

As for my environment being too simplified, uh... I doubt that. I actually feel like it is a bit cluttered, not terribly so, but a bit. I am up to like 225 things.

[Chicken lady]

Numbers don't tell the whole story.

you have simplified the variety and interest away and must get it elsewhere. How many of those 225 items are not utilitarian? (If you have two forks that are hand forged and carefully selected because the weight and design delight you, you may count them as not utilitarian even if you eat with them.)

Passion. You are missing passion. Delight, fascination...

i do not know how to help you with that. One of the JOYS of a hoarding personality is that those things are found everywhere.

[Ultralight]

Numbers don't tell the whole story.

In a sense this is true. But as a practicing minimalist who wants a healthy relationship with "stuff" I think the numbers matter.


you have simplified the variety and interest away and must get it elsewhere. How many of those 225 items are not utilitarian? (If you have two forks that are hand forged and carefully selected because the weight and design delight you, you may count them as not utilitarian even if you eat with them.)

I have a xootr (adult kick scooter) than I have and enjoy zipping around on. I take it to work sometimes, so it has a utilitarian aspect to it. But it is hardly necessary.

I have two small speakers for listening to music.

I have whatever books I am actively reading at the moment.

I still have my fishing pole, and I fish occasionally.

I have a journal I write in and two dumb bells I exercise with.


Passion. You are missing passion. Delight, fascination...

I agree this is true. You are right...


i do not know how to help you with that. One of the JOYS of a hoarding personality is that those things are found everywhere.
Explain...

[Zoe Girl]

Okay I am not a boring person, by any means. I actually work at fitting in a bit more with normal than is natural. I realize that over the top can be irritating. I have lots of interesting stories and things I have done that people appear to want to listen to, or I notice that they don't and save it for another time. It seems a common thing is when people are talking to me they tend to laugh, sometimes kinda at me, but it is okay.

So I have to say that when I get distressed about something your general advice is to detach a lot. I am highly engaged in people and things, which sometimes leads to distress. You are much less engaged which sometimes leads to boredom. At least that is how I see it. So we can both move towards the middle I think.

Did I tell you about my dragon puppet project lately?

[Chicken lady]

Explaination - my brain is wired such that if you give me ten minutes in the non-fiction section of any library, I will find at least three new topics I want to know everything about or projects I desperately want to start. If you give me a box of rocks, I can become deeply absorbed in the possibilities that present themselves.

i cannot comprehend Marie kondo because everything sparks joy. Everything has limitless possibilities. I would have trouble getting enthused about the Dumbbells, because I don't enjoy exercising. but if they were the most interesting thing in my environment, I would.

my challenge is not to "find my passion" my challenge is to channel it.

your scooter was the first thing on the list. I have never wanted a scooter, but presented with the idea of a scooter, my brain immediately began tossing out adventures I could have with such a scooter. If dh came home and said "look, I got us scooters." I would be delighted. Not interested. Delighted. Enthusiastic. "Let's drop everything and take them somewhere!" We haven't had dinner? That's ok, I'm not hungry anymore, I have a new scooter! (Oh look, a squirrel!)

[LDAHL]

In my view, boring is the best way to be. It's solid, trustworthy and dependable, and probably healthier. What could be more annoying than listening to someone blather on about their accomplishments or travels or "passions". You know what passion gets you? Ask Romeo and Juliet. Ask Jim Morrison. Ask Hemingway. Its just another word for obsession. At base, dullness is the inner strength that comes from not particularly caring whether other people think you're interesting or not.

https://www.lsnglobal.com/opinion/article/17409/dare-to-be-dull-why-boring-is-best

[Sad Eyed Lady]

By the time I got to the end of this thread I realized others have said what I was going to say: Maybe you are not boring, you are bored. Big difference. And, I agree with the person, (Catherine maybe?), who said if you read then you are not boring. I love talking with people who read on a variety of subjects and find them very interesting. As far as something new in one's life, that can cover areas from major like a romantic interest, to just trying something a little new to you. Confession time here: I have a good friend that I met maybe a week after my DH's funeral just over 2 years ago. She had just come out of a divorce and both of us were alone. We bonded and have spent a lot of time together. Well, for something new that we decided spur of the moment to do? We are "crashing". How it started was we had driven to a resort/lodge place after having dinner one night a couple of months ago and thought we would go in and have dessert. But instead we noticed a big group of people milling around in another area, and realized it was a wedding reception. We looked at each other and said "let's crash!". So we did! It was mostly over, no toasts and that sort of thing, so we mingled around, ate some cake, watched some dancers, signed a large card, (a mystery for the couple to wonder who we were), and even complimented the bride on her dress. Now we look for things to crash. We have been pretty successful. All in fun, just fun, and something new to do for 2 over imaginative, somewhat creative, 60+ year old women!

[iris lilies]

Numbers don't tell the whole story.

you have simplified the variety and interest away and must get it elsewhere. How many of those 225 items are not utilitarian? (If you have two forks that are hand forged and carefully selected because the weight and design delight you, you may count them as not utilitarian even if you eat with them.)

Passion. You are missing passion. Delight, fascination...

i do not know how to help you with that. One of the JOYS of a hoarding personality is that those things are found everywhere.
That is a wonderful insight. Remarkable!

I can understand it! I am doing this flower design hobby where every object can be incorporated in some way into a floral design if only I am creative enough. I am back to examining dumpsters to mull over objecgs inside. I have a basement full of crap, and that crap pile is growing.

The one way I am different from a horder is that I can decide I dislike something and it has to go, or I can allot myself o ly X amount of space and the treasures have to fit in X space or they are banished. Or, I can decide to do away with this hobby all together, and it will all disappear.

but right now I take delight, and passion is inspired, by "stuff,"

[SteveinMN]

Someone actually gave me this book a few decades ago (mostly tongue-in-cheek):

http://www.simplelivingforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1868&stc=1

(sorry the image is fuzzy; the book is out of print and my copy is not handy)

Even with the badge of "dull" or "boring", by third-party accounts I do not come across that way. As catherine wrote, we often are not perceived the way we see ourselves. I'm interested in a variety of topics because, like Chicken lady, almost anything I don't know about automatically is interesting to me (may not be for too long but by then I usually have learned enough to discuss the topic at least a little with someone else).


So I will see others, like at work. They mostly talk about the local sports team or some show on TV. "Did you see the guy that caught that ball?"
"Yes!"
"Amazing!"

Or: "Did you already see the episode where Glenn flies the plane?"
"Yes, it was amazing!"
"Sure was!"

But that stuff is not amazing to me. That stuff is amusement -- or as Orwell called it: Prolefeed.
The term "amazing" is amazingly overused in 21st-century America. :(

Here is where I take a page from a hit TV show whih I'm guessing you don't watch ;), "The Big Bang Theory", in which autism-spectrum Sheldon sometimes is told that others are behaving according to "accepted social convention". It took me years until I finally saw an entire episode of "Friends". I follow hockey and no other pro sport in town.

But because it is the "accepted social convention" and I want to connect with people where they are, I will watch the sports broadcast for the highlights of the game and see the catch -- or watch the video clip on the Web (less time spent on that). Or I'll say that I didn't watch Glenn fly the plane because I was reading (or whatever) but ask them to describe the scene (and smile and nod if I need to).

As a grandfather to two girls, I'm sure I eventually will need to figure out the taxonomy of Disney princesses even if I personally have no interest in feeding the Disney Borg. I'll even (gasp!) bone up on specific events if I know they'll be of interest to the person I want to talk with -- like find out how the local basketball team is doing when a particular cousin is in town. I look at it as an investment in people. Maybe I'm just weird that way. But it does fit in with that "it's new and I'd like to learn" mindset.


I have been kicking around this observation:
Interesting people take something in their life to the extreme.

As others in this thread have pointed out, there is "interesting" and there is "interesting to you". Plenty of us in Blandsville (a rapidly-growing community) are considered interesting to other people. I think that's because we connect with them at some level. There is no reason the conversation can't start with that catch in the game and then progress to "Did you play <that sport>?" and let the conversation wander to sports in which each of you engage in (or wish you could engage in [again]). Or to hear about Glenn and let that conversation go to ... oh, a character in a book you're reading who is much like Glenn. Or another actor in the show that was in a movie based on a book you read.

It requires active listening. And a sufficient interest in people in the first place. And some understanding of the "accepted social convention". Perhaps that's part of the issue here. But maybe the bigger part here is figuring out if you're boring (to others) or boring (to you).

[JaneV2.0]

A. Anyone who reads a lot of books is by definition an interesting person, at least to me. If I went to dinner with you, I'm sure I would not find you boring. There are so few of you around!

B. Maybe doing extreme activities is one definition of interesting but not the only one. My brother drinks to an extreme. That does not make HIM interesting.

My definition of an interesting person is an interested person. People who are curious, questioning, delightful, those are interesting people.

....

I don't find one-note people particularly interesting, unless their single passion intersects with one of mine, and that's pretty limiting. I'm like Chicken Lady, with a thousand interests, from reincarnation to collage, but I'm rarely vocal about them. Mostly, I listen to other people talk. I don't care if they find me boring; I'm delightful up here in my head.

[Float On]

- is that in May I took a trip to the Middle East (not something a lot of Midwestern folks do).

UL

By the way, did you ever tell us much about this trip? Did I miss your post about it? I was hoping you'd share about it.
I get really bored and have to find something new to do. Wish DH was interested in moving, I'm really ready for a change. This year, believe it or not, I kind of got bored with Kayaking the same lakes all the time. I've only been out a few times down from going pretty much daily. Kind of like you giving up your fishing. Are you finding a new hobby?

[JaneV2.0]

Numbers don't tell the whole story.

you have simplified the variety and interest away and must get it elsewhere. How many of those 225 items are not utilitarian? (If you have two forks that are hand forged and carefully selected because the weight and design delight you, you may count them as not utilitarian even if you eat with them.)

Passion. You are missing passion. Delight, fascination...

i do not know how to help you with that. One of the JOYS of a hoarding personality is that those things are found everywhere.

Well said. I don't know when being surrounded by items that bring you joy got to be pathological, but as I've said before--I'll have X number of items when I'm installed in an institution, and not before.

[KayLR]

Ha! Sad E-L---that's awesome! I wish I had someone to do that with!

UL, I agree with all who say you're looking for your next passion. But my take is, are you content? Contentment is what I seek. AND I agree that as long as you are reading, you are not boring to someone else...unless they're a bore.

[Teacher Terry]

I don't see how someone pursuing a master's degree can be boring. I couldn't go to college until I was 31 and we had the $ saved and I loved getting all 4 of my degrees. It was one of the most exciting things I have ever done. If this degree is not making you feel excited perhaps you are choosing the wrong career path. I don;t think you need to be an adrenaline junky to not be boring. Be interested in other people and what they say, do etc and I guarantee no one will think you are boring.

[ApatheticNoMore]

Well said. I don't know when being surrounded by items that bring you joy got to be pathological, but as I've said before--I'll have X number of items when I'm installed in an institution, and not before.

it can provide some novelty to have an interesting environment and novelty is a basic human need. I recommend the book: "the joyless economy" (ha I would). People get lost when they look for more novelty than it can provide (mass produced things only provide so much compared to custom things, and then regardless we *eventually* get bored of seeing them all the time anyway - I guess this could be an argument for rotating things - bought used and donated when done with them of course!). Or when they look for more than novelty in it (it's low level novelty not meaning we're talking about here afterall).

Anyway no one has to have nice things to have novelty as there are other sources (even interesting food to give one everyday example - with the usual caveat of moderation).

[Ultralight]

In my view, boring is the best way to be. It's solid, trustworthy and dependable, and probably healthier. What could be more annoying than listening to someone blather on about their accomplishments or travels or "passions". You know what passion gets you? Ask Romeo and Juliet. Ask Jim Morrison. Ask Hemingway. Its just another word for obsession. At base, dullness is the inner strength that comes from not particularly caring whether other people think you're interesting or not.

https://www.lsnglobal.com/opinion/article/17409/dare-to-be-dull-why-boring-is-best

I could count the rice. In fact, I kind of want to count the rice.

[Ultralight]

By the way, did you ever tell us much about this trip? Did I miss your post about it? I was hoping you'd share about it.
I get really bored and have to find something new to do. Wish DH was interested in moving, I'm really ready for a change. This year, believe it or not, I kind of got bored with Kayaking the same lakes all the time. I've only been out a few times down from going pretty much daily. Kind of like you giving up your fishing. Are you finding a new hobby?

My 12 days in Israel, Palestine, and Jordan were some of the best days of my life -- beaches, food, adventure. I loved Israel and would move there if I could! Tel Aviv is dreamy and blissful to me.

I was wondering how your kayaking was going this summer...

No new major hobby for me. I am still looking, I guess. I real First World Problem.

[Ultralight]

it can provide some novelty to have an interesting environment and novelty is a basic human need. I recommend the book: "the joyless economy" (ha I would). People get lost when they look for more novelty than it can provide (mass produced things only provide so much compared to custom things, and then regardless we *eventually* get bored of seeing them all the time anyway - I guess this could be an argument for rotating things - bought used and donated when done with them of course!). Or when they look for more than novelty in it (it's low level novelty not meaning we're talking about here afterall).

Anyway no one has to have nice things to have novelty as there are other sources (even interesting food to give one everyday example - with the usual caveat of moderation).

I don't think I find joy is items. I like and/or have liked certain things -- my fish pole, my bicycle, what-have-you. But joy in them? They are props -- merely props -- for something else that brings me joy.

[Baldilocks]

You only need to be interesting enough to make yourself happy. I would rather have a somewhat boring life and be at peace, than have much excitement and the unwanted drama that comes with it. Keep looking for the right bike seat. Sometimes it's more about your sit bones hitting the seat in the right place, than a really cushy seat. Maybe you could still do some bike touring. Also, have you ever thought about mountain biking. It's lot's of fun. Well whatever you do, don't be to hard on yourself and find something to have a little fun with.

[Ultralight]

I appreciate the insights and ideas from you all.

[frugal-one]

http://elitedaily.com/life/motivation/10-differences-interesting-people-boring-people/

Came across this... not sure I buy it all???

The thing I would do (and do do ..hehe)... is try to go out of my comfort zone. Someone else here mentioned that. I happen upon the most interesting adventures. I also talk to everyone. I learn so many interesting things. If you enjoy traveling, find a way to do more of it. If you look... you will find all kinds of opportunities.

Whenever I feel "down", I pull myself out of my comfort zone. It helps!

[Ultralight]

http://elitedaily.com/life/motivation/10-differences-interesting-people-boring-people/

Came across this... not sure I buy it all???

The thing I would do (and do do ..hehe)... is try to go out of my comfort zone. Someone else here mentioned that. I happen upon the most interesting adventures. I also talk to everyone. I learn so many interesting things. If you enjoy traveling, find a way to do more of it. If you look... you will find all kinds of opportunities.

Whenever I feel "down", I pull myself out of my comfort zone. It helps!

Interesting article.

Also: I agree about expanding one's comfort zone.

:)

[SteveinMN]

Interesting article. I think I've learned most of that already, so I guess I am interesting.

I don't know about "Interesting people have a hunger for life; boring people are content with frozen dinner." To continue the food metaphor, if I go to a restaurant, I will try the thing I've never had before. Or the item that's new there. I've never been one of those people who looks at something outside of the comfort zone and is sure I won't like it before even trying it. I've eaten some new favorites and some real duds. But I tried.

What I kind-of object to, though, is that sometimes a frozen dinner is just what the occasion demands. For "eat to live" people, a frozen dinner they like can be just fine and allows them the emotional and intellectual energy they need for something they find more interesting. I don't want to get stuck on the food metaphor, only to contest that sometimes retreating a bit in an area or two of life will not kill one's interest mojo.

[TVRodriguez]

Another citizen of Blandsville here! I love my boring life. I love getting the same meal at each restaurant I visit regularly (I get to go to a lot of work lunches). I love my routine. I love my slightly cluttered but less-than-it-used-to-be home. But enough about me. I love everyone's comments. So many interesting people here!!

You're actually in an exciting time, UL. You are "between the two trapezes," to quote Coldplay (which some believe to be boring, as well, though I love them-no surprise!). It reminds me of that year after college when I didn't know what path I would choose professionally, when I was searching for something to give me the drive to pursue it (how can something drive me to pursue it--does that make it behind me and ahead all at once?). At the time, I felt anxious and lost. But I met a woman a bit older than me who told me how exciting it was to be at the beginning of something new and not even know what it is yet! She convinced me. Take that ennui or whatever you're feeling and channel it -- into what? Into what?! Exactly. Since you don't know what, how about bucket-listing it and trying something new every weekend or every month (budget and time depending). How about learning a language? Or improving one you know? Use your journal to mind map. Imagine three different five year paths--and plot them out on paper. Evaluate the times you are happiest and journal those times. Maybe learn to cook a new ethnic cuisine. Try gardening. You like numbers--give yourself a goal in miles for biking in a month or a year. Plan another trip--whether to Israel or somewhere closer and cheaper, whatever. Pick something. If it's the wrong thing, you'll pick something else.

I've been in Miami for over a dozen years, and I just recently found a new-to-me beach, and I LOVE that. Free, local, 20 minutes away, and it's something I've been missing for over a dozen years. Maybe there's something like that near you. Seek and ye shall find.

[pony mom]

As a massage therapist for more than 10 years, I met many many people, most of them much different than me. And I don't think one of them I'd think of as boring. Each one had something interesting about them, whether their job, hobby, even how they earned that scar on their body or what they did to themselves to need a massage. I learned a little something from each one.

And it's the only thing I miss about doing massage!

[Yppej]

One cure for boredom is to avoid self-absorption. Do you do volunteer work? If so, maybe switch up what you donate your time to? Maybe it will eventually lead to a related new career path. In any case you will meet new people and seeing those with less than you should help spark compassion and gratitude. They, along with attention, are the keys to happiness.