My 19-year-old Son is home from college this weekend. We start talking about his on and off-campus experiences to date. Alot of stories, and he's adjusting just fine.
Conversation shifts to me, stating I've always been more of a "work then home" kind of guy. I tell him about some of my latest pinball adventures. He then utters the above statement.
Wouldn't give much thought to it normally, but did get me thinking:
a) I've brought up my gameroom to colleagues at work, and have received "cool, but seems like a lonely hobby" comment from more than one person.
b) Given these things are in my house, there's not much desire or need to venture out.
c) I get leagues, tourneys, and pockets of us that get together to enjoy the machines. But honestly, I can have the most fun playing it alone, as it's ultimately a "you against the machine" experience. You don't really have to engage with anyone to have a good time on these things.
d) Lost my Wife of 21 years to a long battle w cancer a year ago August. First time I've ever brought it up here, and not interested in (nor want) sympathy. I now get this constant barrage of "advice" to get out, socialize, and don't be too secluded. Not something that is received well on my end currently, as I never did it much prior.
e) The pins always brought me a great escape from the normal day to day stress and pressures of "real" life. Now, it provides a different type of escape, and sometimes the only thing that can bring a consistent smile to my face. I view that as a positive (?)
There are other adventures I'm looking at which appeal to me, but giving up the silver ball is not something that I'm willing to do (yet).
I guess I'm not sure what I'm asking, except his very simple sentence struck a cord with me.
"Too much of a good thing" is the only phrase that kind of aligns.....