The Group Friday Five

And speaking of groups...

1. Tell us about any group(s) you currently belong to. (e.g. book club, knitting circle, walking buddies, etc.)

I belong to a lectionary study group that meets annually. I'm also becoming part of a small clergywomen's group that meets monthly. I assume, of course, that we're not counting all the countless committees one necessarily is part of in this line of work.

2. Do you feel energized or drained by being in a group situation? If the answer is "it depends," on what does it depend?
I tend to find committees draining. Groups oriented around study, discussion or mutual support are more energizing.

3. Is there a role you naturally find yourself playing in group situations? That is, do you naturally fall into the leader role, or the one who always makes sure the new person feels welcome, or the quiet one who sits back and lets others shine, or the host?
I guess I tend to move into a leadership role--especially if it seems like no one else is doing that. I can't stand the French Impressionist style of meeting management where we make random brush-strokes and hope it will look coherant in the end.

4. Handshakes vs. hugs: discuss.

Frankly, I'm more of a handshake person. I appreciate a well-timed hug from a good friend, and I don't mind giving a hug to someone who seems to really be in need of one. But promiscuous social hugging??? Meh.

5. Ice breakers: a playful way to build community in a lighthearted manner, or a complete and utter hell of forced fun and awkwardness?

If anyone tapes a piece of paper on my back and tells me to walk around the room asking questions to guess what is written on the papers on other people's backs ever again, I will bite them.

Bonus: If you answered "playful and lighthearted," share your favorite ice breaker.
This isnt' really an ice breaker, but I am known in certain circles as the purveyor of the "wine list game". This really only works when you are out to dinner with good friends, (which is why it is not an ice breaker). You take the wine list, read the description of a particular wine, (oaky with hints of mulberry and smoke), and decide which member of the group this best describes. This game is even more fun if you have already had something to drink before you arrive at the restaurant.