Day 44: Strategic alliances

I have always enjoyed people watching. In law school as the old kid, I have frequent opportunity to witness evolutions and devolutions in relationships whether romantic or platonic, and now strategic. For instance, last semester's study groups grew somewhat organically out of people who "connected". This semester different study groups have been forged more out of strategy and longer term goals. Conversations are no longer just about whether everyone is free a certain time; but whether by adding someone, what s/he can bring to the group. The Collective is basing study, outlining, and homework partners on perceived knowledge and grades. Sometimes it is like watching intricate political negotiations unfurl and is crazy cool. Other times it is like watching the "cool kids" pick who can "belong", reminds me vaguely of Heathers, and makes me sad. As for me, I don't know how to feel about having the same old partners and non-partner friends from last semester. Guess it is part of the curse of being old... I am strangely OK with that.