Lone Wolf Solution

I doubt there is such a thing as a "lone wolf" since wolves generally live, hunt and survive in packs. People often like to call themselves "lone wolves". What they mean is that they avoid group mores in favour of doing what they believe is right for their unique needs. I find that thought, admirable. Something odd is happening in our society, or perhaps always did happen but go unnoticed, and it is, that most people blindly follow the lead of what they are told is politically correct, socially acceptable or is fashionable. That's okay and certainly safer, but it doesn't allow for the emergence of human individuality. Perhaps individuality is to be avoided in this rather "bullying" era we seem to be in. If one doesn't dress the same way as others, there are disapproving looks or gestures. If you don't do what others do in a social setting, it is considered unacceptable. If you don't believe it, next time you are at a party or other social event, take note. The person who doesn't drink, for example, is often shunned as a weirdo who is no fun. The one who chooses to voice his or her point of view, even though unpopular and sticks to it no matter what, might face sneers, however politely displayed. In neighbourhoods and work places, the one who doesn't follow certain unwritten codes, is often avoided. Most of us find  unusual or original kinds of thinking to be off-centre, and although true, I believe it is refreshing.  I prefer to converse at a party, with someone who goes ahead and expresses opinions, no matter that I disagree with them strongly, if he or she can back up their stand with facts they have carefully thought out. It takes time to absorb the ideas of others and parties work against taking time for the niceties of real talk. Small talk about what is obvious and trite doesn't interest me for long, not that my conversation may be very interesting to others either. Simply ranting or babbling on about what game or show someone saw or what the kids are doing, is socially dull, and makes me want to wish I had brought along a good book. In fact, I do have a good book, because my phone contains a library of e books, and if I am over-bored, it allows me to rescue myself  once a quiet corner is achieved. It sounds pompous, but I don't think I am the only one who feels this way. Parties seem to get to a point where the immediate high of a lot of people ends, and the what-do-we-do-next time arrives. I imagine most people feel as I, a lone wolf do, but perhaps even in this party season, there are others of my pack whom I will encounter leaning in a corner looking intently at a phone while secretly reading a book or playing an on-line game.