I am not ONLY an HR manager, people.

Unfortunately, at this point in my life, I am nothing more than simply "the HR manager." I am no longer "the cheerleading coach," "the business major," "the good friend from grade school/high school/college/grad school/old job/etc," "st greg's volunteer," none of it. I used to truly pride myself in the sum of activities and experiences, past and present, that make me who I am. My job was just that- only a job. Now it's an identity. Of course when I'm with my ONLY friend down here, we met through work. So I am always introduced as, "the HR manager at ________." UGH. Then I can't have cocktails. I can't be stupid. Because now I represent my job. We just moved here, are trying to make a good name for ourselves. So I restrain.

And the people I spend every day with at work... well, as cool as a few of them are, we won't hang out after business hours, because how do I issue a warning to my friend? how do I lay off a friend? how do I give a friend a negative performance appraisal or any reprimand at all? how do I administer positive feedback without everyone else thinking my "friend" is favored?

I miss the old "me." I miss knowing people almost everywhere I go. I miss having a social event multiple times a week. I miss the familiar and friendly smiles.

But there's no escaping it. I can't leave. So I have to try and make friends. It's so friggin awkward considering I have had a peek into "southern hospitality," courtesy of a fellow Yankee, from Spotswood, that has lived here for quite some time. Southern Hospitality can be genuine, but keep in mind that it will many times be a facade. Nice to your face, all smiles, but they really don't like you, and will talk about you behind your back. I'm used to the harsh bluntness of the northeast. You get a dirty look, someone will brush you off, but- who cares? Chances are you may never see that person again- the population is so large, it's easy to get lost in a crowd. Not to mention we're in the "Bible Belt." I'm "shacking up" with my boyfriend. I'm a "sinner." This being allowed in NJ? "Ridiculous Liberal Yankees." I heard it on the radio. Not a gospel station- the top 40 pop station. UGH.

I was in a meeting yesterday- a committee for the non-profit that I sit on the board for. There's a girl there I just met- she has 2 kids. I'm thinking..... she seems really cool. I could totally claim her as my friend. She probably has more friends that are fun and cool like she is..... then of course she spits out that she's from Philly. Of course. Again starts to reinforce that I don't know if I can make friends with people indigenous to this area.

So I am going to get out and meet people regardless of how uncomfortable I am. I won't talk about work or what I do if I can get away with it, and enjoy a fucking cocktail and speak obscenely if I choose.