It anchors you to something bigger than yourself. We all have a sense of wanting to belong. That sense of belonging used to be acquired fairly effortlessly within neighborhood coffee klatches, bridge clubs, church or synagogue circles or even among co-workers. When you have a group, the group maintains itself. It's not up to the individual to keep it going.
Groups often have formal mechanisms like a monthly meeting.
Going the distance as a group One Thursday night a month for the past 33 years, Linda McMahon and six friends have gathered together at each others' homes. Their conversations have evolved from weddings to babies, teenagers to divorce, and now, elderly parents and, happily, grandchildren. Every day at noon they sat around a big lunch table, pulled out their bologna sandwiches and played pinochle or hearts. Eventually the women departed for new jobs, but didn't want to lose their friendship. I had a room of women who listened and made me feel what I was saying was important to them.