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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I am an introvert with social anxiety, and kids in elementary (3rd and 1st grade). Parenting, at least at this age, seems to involve a lot of interacting with other parents. There's so much awkward small talk. I wind up replaying every conversation over and over in my head afterwards. I know it's my anxiety, not other people, but there are just a lot of triggers for me.

Does this get easier when kids are older? I love being a mom but was really not anticipating how much of it would be standing around with other parents making idle "chit chat" at school and activities. In the last week I've had to meet and make polite question with dozens of parents  (two birthday parties, two school events) and it is so draining. Please tell me this aspect of parenting eases as you get to the tween years? Please?[/quote]

Here’s a helpful hint about most people - they love to talk more than they love to listen. I enjoy talking to people, but when I am with people that I don’t connect with well, I listen the majority of the time. I ask them questions, I ask them how their weekend was, where Larla went to summer camp last year, how long have they lived in xxx town, etc. Sometimes it can lead to a real connection, but much of the time, it’s my trick to be pleasant around people who are just acquaintances. The people that are worthwhile engaging with will actually converse with you. But there are plenty of people who will be content to talk their heads off.

I have many acquaintances who know very little about me, but I know all about their family, their child’s orthodontic issues, their HOA board squabbles, etc. I consider myself an extrovert and I am very comfortable going to parties and events with complete strangers, but I don’t have the energy I once had to really engage with everyone, so now I rely on my shallow conversation skills when I need to. It’s so simple once you realize that in these “mingling with strangers situations”, while you are talking, some people are just waiting for you to finish so they can talk instead. [/quote]

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