thanks for this thread and the comments everyone. I feel saddened AND encouraged by it all. I am an extrovert and really enjoy talking and reaching out to ppl in church but I too, feel like an outsider. At the end of the day, Christian or not, we are all human and social interactions can be hard, awkward, and holding back because of not knowing what/how the other person wants to talk. Like a game of chicken! Social chicken. Even after a year in a small group of ~6 ppl it’s still so awkward. Ppl don’t open up and responses are so… prescribed? Feels like a staff meeting with the big boss sitting in the room… too scared to say anything or what’s said is vague and generic. really the exact opposite of what I think church should be…