It seems that our switching patterns have returned to their 2007 patterns: that is, we actually switch when we are by ourselves, instead of it being the “Kerry/Hess/M.D. show” online, and the “Kerry/Hess/Sean/M.D. show” offline. (Well, except for Hess’s hiatus period, that is.) They are still main frontrunners, but it seems that we are hearing from more people here. I have been “louder” lately, for example. I have seen more of Carmen and Imogen and Yavari.
In my case, I do not feel as awkward at front any more, mostly because I have learned how to adapt to some things, and cannot say that I am as hostile to participating socially out here any more. I think actually participating in class has helped me a great deal; it has helped me to find a “niche”. M.D. has still not found that yet, but I think he will, eventually. After all, I have been here for almost two years, and he has only been here for just over six months.
It is nice to have other people around again; it reminds me of the “old days” (~2007, before my arrival, and early 2008) when we would routinely have different people around doing things that interested them, instead of the same set of a few people. I think that having things around that interest all of us seems to draw people back out. Even with the feigning non-plural constantly, having individualised activities seems to help. Before, everyone was doing the same things, and our front’s needs were different, if that makes any sense.