I don't shop socially either, but a special sale at one of my favourite outdoor sports stores could draw both me and friends, and turn into a social experience.

But when you mention not wanting to waste time or be distracted, when catching up on people's news - I think I'm the opposite. I loathe sitting and just talking for more than an hour tops, I just feel overloaded. and a bit invaded. I'm much happier chatting while simultaneously doing something, whether it's cooking or hiking or painting a fence. Which, come to think of it, is probably why I love helping people re-decorate, I get to have lots of social interaction without having to look at them all the time... ;-)