By Gary Martin
“My wife is extremely social. That’s not me. And lately, we’ve been meeting lots of new people. So while she is gabbing away, I am thinking “where can I hide?”
I know there are support groups for those who have trouble with crowds, but I’ve got to wonder — does anyone show up?”
* * *
Gary B. Martin is an illustrator and animator who has lived on the Upper West Side for over 30 years. His illustrations appear in the Rag on Sundays, chronicling life in the neighborhood, New York City, and the Universe.
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Very clever and very funny! Thank you.
Stay strong, you can do it Gary!
With the holidays ahead, I’m sure that there are plenty of other people feeling like you, Gary. Hang in there!
I’m usually a fan, Gary, but this seems mocking. And I’m not an agoraphobe!
Well, you might not be but I pretty much am and I laughed. A sense of humor often helps people deal with many things. I suggest you and Carmella get one.
I’m surprised at Gary, too; he’s usually right on target. Agoraphobia is not just “trouble with crowds.” It’s a recognized anxiety disorder, and people who have it can suffer intensely. It’s as unkind to laugh at agoraphobics (one of whom I know) as it would be to guffaw at amputees or find schizophrenics hilarious.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/agoraphobia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355987
Hilarious!
I think you might be my spirit cartoonist. Thanks for the giggle
Gary picked the one group he can offend, and they will not protest outside his home.
hahahahahahahahaHA!!!
This cheered me up so much on this gloomy Sunday afternoon. Thanks GBM.
Susan
😂 😂
My mother was agoraphobic. She would have laughed.
It brings to mind an old Mike Baldwin cartoon: says the psychotherapist to the monk on his couch, “Anything else you’d like to talk about but can’t — besides the vow of silence?”
Very funny…..
❤️
Such a good point! Thanks for shining a light on your plight!
That is hysterical! Might be a tad “to close to home”!😀