Anxiety over meeting new people

[Saffron]

You met Micca! Not fair!

I ain't ascared of nobody. As a matter of fact, I plan to hug you and a lot of other DISers at RiddleCon, so be prepared! I got my little Listerine thingies all packed!

And someday, I'm gonna hug Micca.

I'm glad all went well last night. I have to admit, going anywhere by yourself to greet a bunch of strangers can be pretty intimidating.

 

[Wagamama]

i hate meeting new people. i have no problem meeting disers because i already "know" them. but i so hate meeting new people. i literally get sick to my stomach. i get a nasty tummy ache and its horrible! i totally sympathize with you.

 

[DocRafiki]

I'm another shy one, socially, but not at work with clients. And I didn't have a problem spieling in front of hundreds when I worked at the Lion King show at MK.

It's funny how we assume we're the only one who's nervous and that everyone else is so confident. Obviously that's not true. You also have to realize that it's not as obvious to outsiders that you're nervous (as someone else said). I've had a few people tell me I looked so confident when I was at places that made me a nervous wreck -- one at a wedding where I went solo and knew no one but the bride (yikes) and the other at the college cafeteria. Come to think of it, I probably stayed thin because I wouldn't go to dinner when I didn't feel like facing the social pressure.

I still wish I knew how to get over it, too. Isn't that what alcohol is for?

 

[Pop Daddy]

I hide

 

[Pembo]

I hide

Yes PopDaddy, we know you hide. But we're going to show up at your church one day for an impromptu DIS meet. We have ways to find you.


Helenabear - I never would have thought you were nervous! You seemed to be so outgoing at the first DIS meet I met you at.

I too get very nervous about talking to "strangers". And Dan, my mind goes blank, can't think of any questions. It's worse with DIS'ers I just meet because I can't remember anything about hem from the boards.

Maybe Riddle-con will help.........

 

[WDWLVR]

Elaine,

After meeting you at the Gurnee DISmeet I never would have guessed that you have trouble meeting people. You came across as wonderfully confident and super friendly.

I have a great deal of anxiety meeting new people. I find it easier to go someplace (like Disney or a Nascar race) and talk to strangers around me than I do when I'm supposed to meet up with someone (like the DIS meet). You are one of the people who made the meet great for me.

 

[SuprGro78]

So, I'm not shy, and I talk to everyone who will listen. My approach is to ask something random. "What's your favorite Muppet?" works well, or "Dis Character" Sometimes when I am working with a bunch of new people (I work in theater as a dresser among other things) we've done trivial pursuit questions and song lyrics puzzles. It gets people talking and reminiscing pretty fast.

 

[Mom2Em]

I have a great deal of anxiety meeting new people. I find it easier to go someplace (like Disney or a Nascar race) and talk to strangers around me than I do when I'm supposed to meet up with someone (like the DIS meet).

Mary,
You summed it up for me to a "T"... I only get nervous when it really "counts"...

 

[epcotfan]

I feel that way too. Funny thing is my major in University was theatre performance and I did well but I'm terribly shy. I was also good with talking to clients in public but I dread going on dates. I'd rather have a monologue to perform. The only thing I can suggest is that many people are just as anxious as you are.

 

[helenabear]

Oh boy, glad I hide it that well!! I admit I am a lot more comfortable going to some meets where I do know a good number of the people than others. There are still many though I go to with that fear inside. And for those who said it, you are right, I should remember that others are probably just as scared as I am to go.

Ron, I was so glad to meet you at WDW. After briefly meeting a "close and personal friend" of your DD it was a pleasure to meet you as well.

Maggie, I will be ready for you at Riddle Con with tons of hugs as well.

Mary, you did sum it up quite well. When it does "count" I am scared to death. I hope though to see you again sometime at a Chicago meet You should have seen me at my first one though... I was so scared I didn't want to get out of the car!!! I swear Dan and Marie almost had to drag me out of the car!

Barb, I am like you... questions just don't pop into my mind. I usually just sit and listen at first when I am uncomfortable. I am sure though that might make me snobby looking or something, but I usually go blank in my mind.

I have noticed that pushing myself to go does make it easier for the next time. DIS meets do get easier the more I "know" people, but Saturday night was the first time I would be surrounded by total strangers in a long time. Maybe all of us shy peopel ought to meet to help us get over our fears

 

[Serena]

Elaine, you do hide it well. I never realized you had a problem. You'll be ok.