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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]This is not meant to be mean, but are the posters who ask these kinds of questions usually socially awkward in general? It's never occurred to me that I wouldn't be able to hold a conversation with another adult. Do you hide in corners at parties? Are you unable to make small talk with coworkers about things other than work? Just talk to them. You might even make a new friend![/quote]

How do you ask this question without meaning to be mean?  You are literally calling someone out because they asked a question, then say it never occurred to you that *you* wouldn't be able to do the thing they are asking for help with.  Then you ask snide comments about it and offer unhelpful comments.  Clearly, you are aware that other people may be socially awkward.  Why would you post a response like this?  You recognized that the question was mean. You didn't do anything to soften the tone, despite social skills that you believe in enough that you can't fathom not being able to talk to another adult.

Some people do geniuely struggle with social anxiety and take great comfort in having a clear set of rules for the engagement.  A playdates are often a new social medium for parents.  On the one hand, you are getting together like friends.  On the other hand, you barely know this person.  Of course, parents are used to meeting new people in some capacity, but generally that comes with some form introduction.  Either socially because you met a friend's event or professionally because some course of business caused you to intersect (conference, walk-in client, referral for another colleague).  The last time that most parents met a new person and spent a significant time talking without any particular purpose was probably college, which might be a decade (or more) ago.

OP, I think you have some good suggestions above.  I would keep it fairly surface level at the first playdate and talk about what you have in common (the kids, parenting).  If you get along well, then there will likely be a second playdate and you can mention some of your interests in passing.  For example if you are a baseball fan: "Wow, your little Larlo is quite the runner. Maybe he will be the centerfielder for the Nationals someday!  Have you been to a game at Nats Park?"  Or maybe wear something that displays an interest, like a concert T-shirt.  If the other person shares the interest, they will probably mention it.  
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