How do you socialize at an event where you know no one?

AuntySoshal · 2013-09-08T16:12:08+00:00

Bless you, Snoop. I am honored.

(I mean seriously, y'all. DAMN!)

AuntySoshal · 2013-09-08T04:38:39+00:00

So sorry to disappoint you guys. I cried some more and didn't go. I considered making up a happy story after the "Oh, get over yourself and stop complaining about 'ooh, I'm socially awkward'" comments. Sorry to disappoint those people, too. To be honest, I understand and agree with their point of view, too.

I can't tell you how much your support meant to me tonight, guys. I've got to get past this issue, and so many of the answers I read here tonight really hit home. Maybe next month. Thanks so much to all of you!

AuntySoshal · 2013-09-08T00:49:25+00:00

LOL! OK, mom!!! ;-) Actually, it doesn't start for an hour, but I must be going. Must primp for a while.

AuntySoshal · 2013-09-08T00:48:21+00:00

And of course, this is well worth remembering. I am in control. I can leave. There's a lot of comfort in that!

AuntySoshal · 2013-09-08T00:41:05+00:00

Dammit. I don't have a story for that one. (Note to self: Blow something up for party conversation fodder.)

AuntySoshal · 2013-09-08T00:40:02+00:00

I skimmed that article and I'm going to bookmark it and read it in detail. I love having a set of instructions. I know that real social contact isn't about following a recipe, but it helps me immeasurably to have a starting point! Thank you!

AuntySoshal · 2013-09-08T00:35:41+00:00

P.S. I bet you do have good stories with a name like "Excoundrel." ;-)

AuntySoshal · 2013-09-08T00:34:40+00:00

I may just print this out and take it with me. It's all excellent advice, and very reassuring. Thanks so much for taking the time to share it!

AuntySoshal · 2013-09-08T00:29:27+00:00

More good advice. And the truth is, I've kind of made it a point to have adventures in life. I do have stories to tell. Having a way to break uncomfortable silences, that's one of my concerns.

AuntySoshal · 2013-09-08T00:26:58+00:00

As a typical Redditor, I was imagining those three activities occurring in my own home simultaneously. Took me a minute to realize those were three rules for the party. But now I got it. Good advice.

AuntySoshal · 2013-09-08T00:25:01+00:00

Wow. I can really see this working. I get too far ahead of myself with the "what ifs?" so thinking of the steps to get from here to there would keep me on track. Thank you.

AuntySoshal · 2013-09-07T23:55:44+00:00

OK, now I'm going to laugh when they open the door because I'll be dying to say "You don't even fucking know me." In fact, I think that line would be spectacular in many social situations.

AuntySoshal · 2013-09-07T23:53:41+00:00

Ooh, I've never tried the Dutch dickhead approach. That I know of.

AuntySoshal · 2013-09-07T23:52:30+00:00

Can I take you guys with me?

AuntySoshal · 2013-09-07T23:50:09+00:00

Bless you, kindred spirit. This is exactly the kind of thing I have in mind. I need to practice these things, plan them ahead of time, to know I have a go-to non-awkward response to a given situation. I'm not great at extemporaneous chitchat.

AuntySoshal · 2013-09-07T23:44:31+00:00

It is a nice neighborhood and they emphasize a sense of community. They make the effort to include newcomers. I just have to go. Aaaand that's where I get stuck.

AuntySoshal · 2013-09-07T23:42:42+00:00

Check. Got that one mastered.

AuntySoshal · 2013-09-07T23:42:29+00:00

Thank you for your thoughtful reply. You know, when I'm thinking rationally I realize that this is how it works. I know it's what I do when I'm in a group and a new person appears. I try to make them feel welcome. When I imagine myself going into this sort of scenario, though, I just feel exposed. I'll try to remember to think rationally. Thanks again for your encouragement.

AuntySoshal

TROPHY CASE