Are you a natural "joiner"?

Well, reading this thread is quiet a revelation.
I never thought that there were others like me. I'd assumed that all those out going people I meet, were just that. I didn't think they might be secretly reserved like me. I would describe myself as out going but at the same time I can be an introvert. If someone strikes up a conversation on a train or sitting in the park, I will chat to them but I would never instigate the chat. When I was a teenager my best only friend's parents thought I was rude because I couldn't make conversation with them.
I used to go home wondering what those I'd been with were saying about me. Now I don't flippin care

I always wonder about book groups, Sheena, if you end up reading 11 books you do not want to just to discuss one that you do, assuming there are 12 people in your group.
Do men join book groups?

I agree with you all....I wish I was a "joiner".....I did join our local U3A and attended a few groups.....but I didn't last !...all far too serious (and intellectual ) for me ! I love playing board games and so went for that group, but oh my stars, talk about competitiveness !! Felt far too intimidated...

I did join a book club too, and each month we'd take turns to choose a book, we'd all read it and then meet up for a discussion...but half the time the others either hadn't read the book, or only got half way as far too busy doing other things.....and really all they wanted to do was to natter....so not really a book club......now I'm reading this back I do sound a tad pompous and serious..but I'm really not like that...I just used to get annoyed with them all...and felt I had not a lot in common.

I now "envy" is a strong word, and I shouldn't say it, but I do wish I could be more sociable and I envy those who can quite happily be part of a group. I was an only child, and spent a good deal of my time on my own...so maybe it's ingrained !

I do not join, but am often being told off by my kids for talking to anyone I meet on the bus or in a queue. My grandson asks if I know that lady, and if not why did I talk to her. I tell him he can do the same when he's as old as me.
Most of the stuff where I live centres round the churches. I went to the coffee morning this morning as I met a neighbour on my way to get the paper, and was asked by someone if I was "one of us". I replied that I lived here, if that was what she meant. Not sure if it was.

I'm not a joiner, either. I'm not really very good at being organised (either by myself or by others)!
I volunteer at a local small museum/exhibition centre, and have agreed to be on their Friends committee, but do hope that all I have to do is make the tea at evening events !

I'm the same Soutra and quite content at the moment while I'm working. If I can I hope to volunteer for the National Trust when I eventually retire but that's several years away unfortunately.

Like Lona I'm enjoying being 'me'.

I've always liked the idea of joining groups and clubs but never found one which gels with me. Having felt like the outsider for most of my life I think it's time to embrace my introvert tendencies as I don't suppose I'll change at this stage in my life.

And me!

I'm not a joiner although I'm trying to be. I've found since I retired long standing friends are either still working or are less available for some reason or the other. A friend of 30yrs has become weird, she has various illnesses and can no longer drive but she won't let me visit as she says the house is a tip although I've told her it matters not, I think she may have the beginnings of Dementia as we've had some very odd calls from her. We have such shared history too but she gets upset/angry if I say I'm going to pop in so I've all but given her up.

I did try the book club at our library but I found the choice of book really wasn't my thing and it was very clique and I felt like an outsider.

I'm just really glad now that OH is retired that we are 'best friends' and enjoy doing things together even if its just a walk to the chemist and back lol.. He's encouraged me to go to the GN coffee meetups in my area which have been nice and chatty but I do miss my old friends who know me and my family .

I'm much the same Soutra, I seem very gregarious on the outside, but I've always been very shy and definitely not a joiner!
I have lots of friends but I've known them all a long time.
I don't worry about it any more, it's just the way I am, so I would say, just enjoy being yourself.