I survived my childhood without having the sports gene. I didn't join in pick-up games of kick ball, volleyball or anything ball. If the playground supervisor asked me

to join in a game, it meant more people were needed. If more people were needed, it meant whatever they were playing wasn't fun.I discovered at an early age non-joiners make great spectators.

As I grew up, I never subscribed to magazines or joined the Book of the Month Club, the Plant of the Month Club or any of-the-month clubs. I have a compulsive personality. I had to be compulsive about not joining.

Okay, I occasionally volunteered to help various charities. Did that make me a temporary joiner? The problem with volunteering to help temporarily is that you're considered a volunteer forever.

Because my husband anticipated my driving-challenged problems, he made me join AAA; but I officially became a joiner when I joined MasterCard. Because MasterCard has a high interest in members who aren't in good standing, I'm not an outstanding member. I'm a member who wants the frequent flyer miles I get by using my card. I want as many socially acceptable, free rides as possible.

Although I didn't think I was a joiner, I am - but with some reluctance. For example, when someone asks you to join them for dinner, they automatically assume that you will ask them to join you for a future dinner; and they want to join for equal or greater value.

I found value in joining the Democratic Party. Then I un-joined to join the Independent Party. I was trying to increase my chance to be enthusiastic about voting in primaries. Frankly, I can't tell the difference between Democrats and Republicans. They're joined by special interests.

Being joined in marriage is my special interest. For three dollars - the cost of the marriage license - my lifetime membership has given me a partner, happiness, laughs, a few sorrows and two sons as bonus rewards.

Unfortunately, John and I aren't joined in political beliefs. Because we often cancel each other's votes - especially presidential votes - I'm thinking of joining the voters in Florida - where the Supreme Court decides who's president.