REH wrote: As for Hikikomori, at this point my wife would argue that chat groups are the older male version of such things for the non-Japanese. "Keep off my computer!" My ex-wife who is a psycho-analyst has joined my current spouse adding that it obviously is a variation on computer neurosis and are seeking grants together to see if they can help their poor "friend." I would have never have believed that anything could have gotten those two together but there may be a market emerging here with chat groups as a cure for hostility within split families with the resultant help for the children who refuse to come out of the closet or kitchen (so to speak). The grant argues that the problem is caused by a viral worm named "big boy" that attacks both the young and the retired as well as those in high and low IQs. The Bourgeoisie seem not to interest the bug. One note is that it seems to attack some women as well but they seem to eventually throw off the bug or wall it off into a quarantined corner of their psyche where it lurks like the intermittent cold germ.
A few preventive measures to be taken when one suspects they are infected with 'Big Boy' chat group virus: 1. Take a brisk walk for at least 30 minutes. You need fresh air and to move the numb lower half of your torso. Swing arms energetically to stimulate better blood circulation to your brain. Rotate neck and shoulders. Ignore strangers gaping nervously. Try not to look lost. 2. Go to the kitchen and make spaghetti sauce from scratch, bake yeast bread, alphabetize your spices, pull odds and ends from the junk drawer, throw away jars without lids, clean the stovetop or refrigerator. These are all necessary maintenance functions, equally important for good mental health and do not involve the keyboard, the mouse, loose cables or file management. 3. Stand in the shower and sing whatever you think you can fake your way through. Sing with gusto. Your ears need to hear other things besides the click of the keyboard and hum of the cpu. If you find you are standing, blinking at the shower wall, hands over the faucet, do yourself a favor and turn the water to cold to shock yourself out of monitor hypnosis. 4. Go to the library, workplace, coffee shop, book store, market or train station and try to have a semi-decent conversation with strangers, preferably friendly ones. Chances are you will return to your chat group refreshed, invigorated and grateful. If you have been gone from your computer for less than 5 hours, your infection is confirmed. If gone less than 3 hours, you have a bad case. If gone less than 1 hour, call cousin Ray and sign up for singing lessons - you need immediate treatment. KWC
