Are you a sociable person with strangers?

[J.Cooper]

I have to go to a out of town for work next week to attend a workshop and I'm not a sociable person (kind of shy). Does it bother you when you have to go to these functions and socialize with people you don't know? If not, how do you handle it? Especially the dinners and lunches. Have to sit with people you don't know and I'm not one to strike up a conversation! I hate being in these situations, but have no choice since it's work related. Anyone else have this problem?

 

[KathyTX]

Sorry, no.... although DH sometimes wishes I had that problem.

(Had 2 Jehovah's Witnesses show up at my door this morning, and I think I talked their ears off. )

 

[GarrettJD]

I don't really care for it, but I can do it. Being in a service-oriented industry like the retail industry, you learn really quickly to be friendly and pleasant to everyone. I find it easier to make small talk if common interests are shared.

Actually, at parties, it usually goes like this:

Them-- "So, what do you do?"

Me-- "I'm in management for Waldenbooks."

Them-- "Oh really? Do you have that new book blahblahblah by the author Whatshisname?"

Upon which I immediately lapse into bookstore clerk mode.

 

[Disney Doll]

I tend to be a little shy, but I do OK. My DH, on the other hand, will talk to anybody.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>My kids have dubbed me "The lady who talks to everyone."

I usually don't have any trouble talking to people I don't know.

 

[Phrebert]

I used to be terrified of talking to strangers, but since I have been working in a motel for 10 years, it's not a problem.

 

[babslittleones]

I would be petrified. I have always had a horrible problem with shyness. Here I am 36 and I still have a horrible time with it.

I would somehow manage to survive the meeting and lunches.

It usually makes me sick to think of speaking in front people.

 

[syncer55]

With older folks, I'm a little more shy, but with kids and and people my age, I can't stop chatting

 

[LisaSt]

Nope not at all I love to talk to people I will strike up a conversation with someone waiting in line for a movie at a bank in an elevator or waiting to cross the street. I am not picky I talk to anyone.

 

[Lil Lil]

Yep I definitely understand. I feel the exact same way. Hard for me to strike up a conversation with strangers. For those who don't have that problem how do ya do it? I admire that confidence.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I feel fine talking with anyone. A good way to talk to a stranger is just ask a few questions, let the other person talk, and voilà, a dialog. I am always asking questions, LOL.

 

[Skywalker]

I hate, hate, hate situations like that too. I am just naturally quiet and shy and I feel so awkward when I have to try and make small talk. My husband, on the other hand, cannot stand in a line at the grocery store for five minutes without striking up a conversation with whoever is in front of or behind him! Oh well, people like you and me will muddle through somehow! When you get home reward yourself for making it through. LOL.

 

[grinningghost]

When I was younger, I was VERY outgoing and would talk to anyone. Now that I'm older, I've developed a serious case of shyness. I'm fairly certain my neighbors think I'm stuck up because I rarely speak to them, but in all honesty, I just don't have a clue what to say.

I even have a hard time at family reunions. If I haven't spoken to someone in a year or more, I find I have nothing in common with them and don't have much to say.

 

[Jungle Skipper]

When I was in High School and at WDW I was MR. Socialite....now is a different story.....now I tend to keep to myself. It's odd, I'm like a completly different person sometimes.

I find myself getting incredibly nervous aruond women recently too...something new for me.

Jungle Josh

 

[CEDmom]

Originally posted by Dan Murphy
I feel fine talking with anyone. A good way to talk to a stranger is just ask a few questions, let the other person talk, and voilà, a dialog. I am always asking questions, LOL.

I agree with Dan's advice. I tend to be shy but just asking where someone is from can open the door to a lengthy conversation.

 

[AStarOnMars]

I'm very shy ... I normally wait until someone starts talking to me ... unless the person seems like I could approach them which is very rare ...

One time my professor made us get in study groups ... the only words out of my mouth were what page numbers material was located on ... and we had to get in these groups every week ... most of the time they'd sit around and talk about everything other than history (did you see the bachelor last night? Did you hear the new song by ...? , etc.).
Finally towards the end of the semester I actually started talking with the group ... b/c for some odd reason they all started asking me questions as soon as we broke into group (are you shy? what do you like to do? etc.) ... which really made me nervous ... I had question coming left and right ...

I guess me being an only child makes me keep to myself a lot.

 

[Feralpeg]

I could talk to a wall. DD is always asking me why I feel the need to talk to everyone. I don't know. I just like to talk to people. If you open up to people, they are almost always friendly in return.

 

[nativetxn]

I'm sociable with everyone. Not one bit shy

 

[Kitty 34]

I'm a lot less shy than I was when I was younger.

 

[arminnie]

Originally posted by J.Cooper
Have to sit with people you don't know and I'm not one to strike up a conversation! I hate being in these situations, but have no choice since it's work related.

Just remember that most of these people probably feel exactly the same way that you do. You will be doing them a tremendous favor if you say hello and introduce yourself first.

I'm sure you are a very kind person. Think about how to make the others feel better, and you will find it easier to get through these sessions.

Sample questions to start a conversation:
Where do you live?
Is that where you grew up?
How did you decide to move there?
Who do you work for? - unless you are all with the same company
How long have you been there?
If you are comfortable you might ask about family and children - this can be a little sticky if you are their superior.
If your field requires some specific training you could ask them where they received their schooling.
As they answer these questions you can volunteer your own answers.