The PNW is terrible for community building. I recently moved to the deep south and the overall vibe is much different, much more focused on community.
> While some residents dispute the existence of the Seattle Freeze, a 2008 peer-reviewed study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science found that among all 50 states, Washington residents ranked 48th in the personality trait extraversion. In 2014 a similar report by the Seattle CityClub ranked the population 48th out of 50 similarly-sized cities in activities such as "talking with neighbors frequently".
It's taken those years to break through the shells but people repeatedly tell me they like hanging out with me because I listen. I empathize. I'm genuine. I'm authentic.
You have to be real. Be committed to your fellow human beings. There's a dearth of that up here. A lot of judgemental people. Closed minds. Antagonism.
But if you are patient and keep letting people show you who they are and be who they are they'll cine to love you.
We need more people like that up here. They are here. Keep the good ones close and more will collect.
I am so happy I found my place. The weather is gross right now. People are staying inside shivering and will be until May next year. Try the library. Ask people questions.
I hear the same things repeatedly. No one says hi. No one smiles. No one approaches me. Do those things. People long for that.
As much as you want people to do that for you, they want it too. Be kind. reach out. Continue with the responsive ones.
Would you like to get coffee sometime? One on one works well with introverts.