I’m socially awkward. There I said it. Most people would never know that when I’m meeting them and making small talk for the first time as is expected of an adult, it’s actually taking everything I have not to tuck tail and run the other direction. I often say I really don’t like “people” in general, but the real truth is I’ve just never been all that comfortable around new people so I don’t usually schmooze with them long enough for them to become old pals. And some people, well let’s be honest, some people are just idiots.
Obviously there are exceptions….not everyone needs help tying their shoelaces, and I was somewhat more outgoing when I was younger so I still talk to a few of those old high school friends on a pretty regular basis. I do have a job outside the home so there are the girls at work too. But even my work friends, with the exception of two or three that I consider close friends, are just that…work friends. We don’t socialize outside of office hours or office functions so it truly is a working relationship…they are not besties or someone I call when I need to vent, cry, or brag. We have a relationship based on necessity, respect, and professionalism, no more and no less.
As a blogger though, and someone that works in a service industry, I have to sell myself (get your mind out of the gutter) and forge relationships with perfect strangers quite often…clients, PR reps, prospective clients, etc. And I put on my big girl panties and I do it…and I present myself as a confident person who knows my shit, but inside, I’m screaming, terrified, and just counting the seconds until I can slink back into whatever safe isolation I came out of. It’s stressful to say the least. I will say I have gotten better over the last couple years, but I don’t know if I’ll ever be what you’d consider a social butterfly.
So that’s why I’ve never met some of my best friends. The ladies I’ve met on line and that have supported me as my blog was in its infancy (not that it’s just crazy blowing up now, but you know what I mean). Over the last year we’ve supported each other, bitched about stuff, learned about each other, and trusted each other, without having ever met in person even once. It’s kind of odd to think about having a “friend” that I’ve never seen, but it’s also nice to know that people like me, who are admittedly somewhat reclusive, can still make new friends in this life. That is all…
What’s something that people don’t realize about you at first glance? What trait or personality “flaw” are you good at hiding? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading!
rachel says
August 18, 2014 at 7:19 amSometimes ok often, when I go someplace new or know I am meeting new folks I have to give my self a pep talk. It goes something luke this…. I liok in the mirror in my xlcar, I am a smart intelligent person. I can do this, for me and my family. People are lucky to know me and I am lucky to know them. So…. there’s my secret. I consider my self prety outgoing, but when uts important like meeting for an interview, public spraking, meeting my boyfriend’s friends. I am just like u, shy and terrified in side. I litterly give the talk in my head the whole time. When I go to the bathroom, its one on one prayer f strength and pep talk 🙂 sometimes its good to lnow we are not alone. Now that said give me some liquid courage, motor mouth, never a good combo 😉
Alaina Bullock says
August 18, 2014 at 8:58 amI am the exact same way..shy and socially awkward. Blogging and social media sites have really helped me overcome a lot of that insecurity and shyness, and now I have a lot of people I count as friends although I have yet to meet them in person!
Leslie says
August 18, 2014 at 5:31 pmOh my gosh! I’m so glad you said this! I am the EXACT same way! I get really anxious easily when I’m out of my element.
Brooke @ Blushing Noir says
August 18, 2014 at 6:44 pmThat top meme… so much. I’ve worked a lot of CS jobs and I can smile and hide my ‘tude lol One of the best there is 😉
1stopmom says
August 18, 2014 at 7:18 pmPeople do not realize that I am a big introvert. I like to sit and listen but it can come across as anti-social.
Alison says
August 18, 2014 at 7:35 pmTotally me! I pay attention to what everyone says, but I don’t always speak up and add my two cents, especially if I’m not familiar with other there so I think sometimes people think I’m an ass, but I’m totally not — well not usually lol
Justina says
August 18, 2014 at 8:47 pmLove this post! I feel the same way girl! I was always reserved growing up but when I went through the education program in college to be a teacher it totally changed my life. They MADE me speak up or said they’d kick me out! AHHH! It was scary but also liberating.
Andrea B (@goodgirlgonered) says
August 28, 2014 at 7:31 amI have’t met a good handful of my favorite people in the world, either. 🙂 BUT I have met a lot of the rest of them – and only once or twice – at blogging conferences!
So that counts, too. But I get this. Completely. It’s a great world we have here in bloggy-land!