Feeling awkward about going to bbq tomorrow
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Anonymous
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DH I are new in town and were invited to a BBQ tomorrow by a woman we met at another friends birthday party. We really want to go, as we like this woman and want more friends in the area, but I am feeling awkward because we don't know her that well and won't know another soul there. How can I feel more at ease in an unfamiliar crowd? Do you have any techniques for mingling that you use to feel more comfortable in situations like this?
I kind of want to call up and say the kids have the flu...I am just no good in social situations if i dont know the people. And i dont know anyone here...Don't ever move if you can avoid it! |
Anonymous
Alcohol. |
Anonymous
+1 Stop over thinking it. Go for a little, if it's lame have an excuse about having another party to stop by at. |
Anonymous
| Think of some questions that you want ask others. I find that the best conversationalists are the ones that express interest in others and their opinions, ie "How long have you lived here?" "What is your favorite place to go out to eat?" "We're trying to get the kids out to see DC. What have you and your family always enjoyed doing?" |
Anonymous
| I can honestly find something to talk about with just about anyone. Just ask questions. People love when they get to talk about themselves. |
Anonymous
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Bring beer, and bring stickers for kids. When you go over to get food turn to the other person standing there and say, "Hi! I'm Lauren. We just moved to the area and I don't know anybody except [hosts] here. How do you know [hosts]?" Then when they say they work with them ask what they do for a living. Then ask if they like doing that or how they got into it.
Also, the morning of the BBQ read CNN.com AND your local newspaper so you can talk about shit going on in the world. |
Anonymous
| Let the kids guide you. If they start playing with a particular kid or two, or if there are other kids there who are the same age, or similar in age, figure out who the parents are and talk with them. You can always start by talking about the kids and then move on to (imo) more interesting subjects. |
Anonymous
| You will never make new friends if you don't push yourself to get out - even when you don't know anyone. Good advice to introduce yourself and ask questions. Have fun! |
Anonymous
| Not like you will be going by yourself. You have your husband with you and I assume your kids also. How socially awkward can you be? |
Anonymous
| Being new in a town is conversational gold. |
Anonymous
| Just smile and be friendly. If it's too overwhelming to approach people, have fun with your DH and enjoy the party. |
Anonymous
| I went to a wedding for family friends with my parents once. Just me and them, so I assumed I'd be at their table. I wasn't. I was seated solo at a table of people I didn't know. I was terrified, because I just don't mingle well with people. I had the BEST time at the wedding and to this day was one of my favorites. You just never know how things will go!! Enjoy yourselves! |
Anonymous
This. At least you have your husband to talk to during any lulls in socialization with others. All the PPs had good suggestions. Go, stay for a bit, do the best you can. |
Anonymous
Yes. And if you should happen to share a misconception about DC, you will shortly have a real-life DCUM thread going on around you. |
Anonymous
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Take a genuine interest in other peoples' lives. Dale Carnegie. I know, old school but is simple and works.
Read #5 and #4 below http://www.positivityblog.com/index.php/2008/01/17/dale-carnegies-top-10-tips-for-improving-your-social-skills/ |