Over spring break I had the regrettable experience of shopping at a T.J. Maxx.

Not to say T.J. Maxx is inherently bad, but for whatever reason the store seems to follow the theory that one size fits all; when the size happens to be XXL that puts those of us who have a 31 inch waist at a rather notable shopping disadvantage. 

Nonetheless, I figured that after several years of spite filled coexistence, T.J. Maxx and I could give it one more try.

Predictably I didn’t find any sort of wearable attire; what I found instead was something a little more fascinating.

The attractive blonde three aisles in front of me was certainly striking, but more so for the way in which she seemed to be studying me rather than for her physical attributes. While shopping, I find that I don’t really want to be studied in any way. So it was actually slightly disconcerting this girl was taking an interest in my perusal of a rack of oversized pastel colored boxer shorts.

Bemused, perhaps even a little confused, I left the store and walked out toward my car where upon opening the door it struck me like a lighting bolt why the girl was glaring at me. 

It wasn’t my dashing good looks or choice in loungewear, the reason she was staring at me was that for one year we attended the same high school. Blair and I had taken freshman history together. Unfortunately, my thick mind took about five extra minutes to pick up on that.

Instead of marching back inside and saying hello, I fell victim to our generation’s classic anti-social excuse. I resolved to Facebook her when I got home, saving myself the trouble of going back inside when I wasn’t even 100 percent sure that it was my old friend. 

Upon logging onto Facebook back at my home, I was shocked to discover that Blair was the one remaining member of this generation who lacks a Facebook. Instead of possibly connecting with an old friend, I’ll never even know if that was her in the equally grim looking women’s section.

Immediately I was plagued by the overwhelming realization that I was Facebook dependent. Not only was it my crutch, but it prohibited real friendship and social interaction.

Facebook, I realized, had been subtly replacing my telephone calls with “wall posts” and correspondence with “messages.”

Disturbed by this course of events, I knew this had to come to an end. Not that I am going to give up Facebook, it is an excellent social utility, but it should not be my only networking tool. I’ve decided that I really need to rededicate myself to the basic skills of rhetoric and face-to-face encounters. I have to try and participate in society as I did pre-Facebook. 

Perhaps even doing something simple like going to see a concert or a sporting event would discourage our collective social complacency.

For example, this upcoming Friday you could go see the Wolfpack play baseball against Maryland at 3 P.M. and round out the evening with an a cappella performance by the Ladies in Red in Stewart Theatre at 7:30 P.M.

N.C. State abounds with so much to do that there really isn’t a good excuse to be passive. 

Get out there!