It is these early life experiences, these musical encounters set the seed, to seek out the continuance for enjoying musical encounters.
An Audio System inevitably is a tool to support this endeavor.
Being Obsessional without knowing, this interest took on different intensities and guises across a decade or so, but after seeing how insulated and fixated a mindset can become, especially for the endless search for a stimulation, I got out.
These are the assets that when utilised, successfully produce a Lonely Place.
I fortunately have found an exit, that still remains and is totally in control.
I chose to participate as a Social Individual, that has successfully extended in all areas of my activities around HiFi. Very rarely do I make time to listen to any music as a Sole Listener, I now treat all occasions, as if they were from the earliest years of being introduced to a musical encounter, the time set aside is always intended to be shared with another person/persons, just a group of friends did back in the day.
If my wife busies herself during a time made to share some of music collection, I am happy to continue 'pooing around' and this might become a little bit of being a Sole Listener (somebody has to carry the burden of worrying about the Stylus), or a sneaky A/B comparison might be snatched.
Through doing big Social Events in HiFi I occasionally get a chance to meet a type of individual that has gone down the Rabbit Hole of their ideals are the Goal for all to be aspired to. It is without doubt in their heart, if not in their words.
The noticeable lack of a broad focus on offer and noticeable self-serving interest being radiated is for me a repellant.
I can't remain in dialogue with such a personality showing such traits, it is not healthy for either Party to encourage the encounter to be prolonged. I make my excuses and move on fast.
When one is laying in a sick bed needing help, the HiFi System, nor one's endlessy acquired knowledge of all things HiFi are going to make soup and bring it with a care for one's welfare. The individuals who do take up the mantle and do bring soup and show care, are very likely hurting inside somewhere, about how another's' obsession with HiFi has deprived them of a wanted experience or even just a valued consideration.
It is a real sad moment to share a very short period of time with an individual who has allowed a Hobby to become extremely salient, to the point the individual has lost their Power and are succumbed to being controlled.
The really good news is HiFi is enjoyable, even really enjoyable, and can be a very attractive social activity, if that is where one would like it to stop.