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Recently my behaviour changed a lot thanks to buddhism.

I am no longer interested in watching movies, listening to music, and especially going out on parties and drinking alcohol.

This is creating a huge gap with my friends. My interests don't match theirs anymore. I tried to speak about the reasons why I feel better now that I left all these trivial activities behind, but I lack eloquence and thus didn't convince anyone.

With my girlfriend things are easier because I can communicate a lot better with her, but I can still see that she suffers when I don't want to participate with the same activities as her.

Should I accept to do trivial stuff from time to time just to stay close to my friends and not cause them suffering ?

Following the noble eightfold path should make me easier to live with, but I just cannot watch TV one hour every night with my girlfriend anymore, nor can I spend my entire week-end going out and get wasted with my friends anymore. People around me find me boring and pressure me to do stuff I don't like anymore.

On the other and I feel great compassion toward my friends and really wish to help them. If I stop seeing them, it would only cause more suffering. How can I adjust so that I can follow the path and not alienate myself by refusing to drink alcohol and watch tv ?

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You are not causing suffering to others. They cause their own suffering if they want you to get drunk with them & you refuse. You should always have metta (friendship) towards old friends but this does not mean you engage in unwholesome actions with them.

Also get rid of this condescending attitude you have compassion for your friends and wish to help them. This is disgusting. Your friends are merely “ordinary people” who live ordinary worldly life.

As for your girlfriend, it is love & respect for her that you watch TV with her. It is only TV. You don’t have to attach or delight in what you are watching yet this should not stop you showing warmth and companionship towards your girlfriend.

I am typing this on an airplane because I am visiting my mother & sister. I watch TV with them even though I do not watch TV at home. Watching TV can be a meditation upon the ignorance of the world.

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  • It is unclear to me wheter I am condescendant or not by saying that I wish to help my friends. Isn't it natural to wish to help anybody who clearly isn't happy ? Whether I know better about happiness or not is not the matter
    – abernard
    Commented Dec 13, 2018 at 6:58
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    Should I let go of my desire to help any ordinary people whose purpose in life is to get wasted as often as possible ?
    – abernard
    Commented Dec 13, 2018 at 7:39
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    Yes. Buddhism says to teach Dhamma to those who are interested in it (AN 9.5). When a person knows they are sick, they themselves decide to see a doctor. Similarly, when a person knows their life isn't working out, they seek a solution.
    – Dhamma Dhatu
    Commented Dec 13, 2018 at 7:41
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Unfortunately, it is not possible for a layman with a relationship to fully practice as a monk. Lay Buddhist is only required to observe five precepts within the Noble Eightfold Path. Lay Buddhist observe eight precepts only once a month. If you can do this in a regular or daily basis is a bonus.

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  • This is not about following precepts. I can see for myself than indulging in trivial activities are causing unnecessary stress and suffering to me. But not doing them would cause suffering to others and to myself aswell. I wonder how i can approch this issue
    – abernard
    Commented Dec 12, 2018 at 20:16
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    Perhaps you have to find a new circle of friends who understands you.
    – SarathW
    Commented Dec 12, 2018 at 20:43
  • I marked this answer down because it appeared to say a lay Buddhist should induldge in sensuality.
    – Dhamma Dhatu
    Commented Dec 13, 2018 at 4:02

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