Ok, so I need some advice. I have always been somewhat socially awkward I guess you could say. When I meet new people or (heaven forbid) a large group of new people I freak out. I get all nervous and sweaty and I stay really quiet. It's not that I don't like meeting new people or making friends....I just can't get over the awkward feeling I get. Soooo, now I am in this mom's group and I want to make friends and visit but I am having a hard time getting past this. I don't want anyone to think I am snobby or unsociable because that is far from the issue. I am having a get together for the group in a month at my house and I am afraid noone will come because I haven't really talked to anyone much at the other events. How can I get past this? Any suggestions????

Kristin

all I can say is just swallow your fear and just try.  I have to tell my cousin this all the time 'who cares what other people think of you, the only thing that matters is what you think of yourself'

Sorry Kris, my problem is I talk TOO much.... LOL. How about reading a book on this sort of thing? If not, you can always be perfectly honest w/ these ladies as you are being now.  Let them know you hope you havent come across as snobby, but that you're just shy. You may be surprised at how many others feel or have felt the same way.

Sorry Kris, my problem is I talk TOO much.... LOL. How about reading a book on this sort of thing? If not, you can always be perfectly honest w/ these ladies as you are being now.  Let them know you hope you havent come across as snobby, but that you're just shy. You may be surprised at how many others feel or have felt the same way.

i would suggest sending an email to a few of the other moms, ones that you thought seemed nice or inviting. and let them know that you would love to get together, and join in on the playdates. but you have a little trouble in social situations, and you get really nervous. just let them know that you love to be part of the group, but you get nervous in social situations, so if they wouldnt mind overlooking it and maybe helping you adjust to the group a little better. maybe try having a playdate with just one mom, and once you get to know her better it might be a little easier to ease into the group.

i am like April, i talk too much. but i did use to be sort of shy. it is easier to say these things in an email rather than to there faces. or to just one mom, and not the whole group. She also made a good point about how other moms have felt the same way you do. just try telling them how you feel and it could all work out.

Kris, I have soo been there!! I naturally have an introverted personality. When I joined a mom's group, it was very awkward for me because I am a young mother and I felt very out of place. I did read some books that helped me. The one thing that I can suggest to you, that worked vey well for me is to go to different places and just say hello to people. You can go to the mall, the park, a bookstore..etc. My favorite place was the park because conversation starters were easy with people who have dogs. You just ask if your child can pet their dog and then try some small talk with them. I know it sounds very silly, but this really helps to boost your confidence and to learn how to begin conversations with people that you don't know well.

Of course, your personality inside will not change, but you can be much happier and self-assured when you practice.

Hi Kris,  I have to say sometimes I feel the same way. You just have to keep in mind that other people in the group probably feel just like you do.  You are doing the right thing by taking the first step to surround yourself with people that have something in common with you.