Attending parties where you don't know anyone.

[Morganpics]

I hate those situations and avoid them whenever possible.

That's me!

 

[suejai]

I'm the same way too. DH is a social butterfly and usually ends up talking to someone and I end up sitting there waiting for him to come back. I'm really not good at chit chat, even with people I know. I tend to make friends with people who are very talkative

 

[7165red]

I'm with you I hate it. It is hard word making chit chat with a stranger. I don't go anymore.

 

[KimR]

I can completely relate. I actually hate parties regardless, but it's particularly difficult when I don't know anyone. I've reached the point now where I no longer feel obligated and just don't attend social gatherings anymore. However, every once in a while we do receive an invitation that is difficult to decline. As a matter of fact, DD and I going to a wedding this weekend. I really do want to see this girl get married; however, I am so NOT looking forward to the reception and forced socializing that goes along with it. DD will be there, thankfully, so I'll have someone to talk to. Unlike me though, she is very outgoing and will likely be flitting around talking to everyone whether she knows them or not while I sit in a corner and pretend to be invisible. I suspect this is a 'dry' reception too, so I guess I'll be bringing my xanax.

It's good to know that I'm not alone, though. I swear sometimes I feel like I am the only one with this problem.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

I don't usually have this problem socially, but I do get it at functions for work. There's a very easy way to handle it.

Ask them about themselves.

People love to talk about themselves, and it makes you come off as caring and approachable right away. It doesn't matter what you ask, one question always leads to another, and another, and then you'll find something you have in common, whether it's kids or a hobby or a point of view. From that point on, you're casual acquaintances and things go much easier.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I always seem to hit professional seminars where everyone else has fellow staff members with them and I'm all by my lonesome (flashback to all the years of "first days" at numerous schools as a military brat).
Here are some lines I read and saved a while back. Some seem strange as an opening line, but maybe to keep the conversation going?

1) What was your favourite book/ tv. programme/ film as a child?

2) What is your favourite smell?

3) If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow morning where would it be?

4) What makes you angry?

5) If you could go anywhere on holiday, where would you go and why?

6) What was your childhood ambition?

7) What toy did you always really want as a child, did you get it?

8) If you could do any job what would it be?

If someone asked me these questions when we first met I would runaway

 

[monkey68]

I don't really have a problem with it. I can usually find someone interesting to talk to. And I'm one of those people, I always think other people's stories are really interesting, I love hearing about other people's lives. I know it can be tough for other people, but I guess I'm just naturally outgoing.

 

[clh2]

When I'm in this situation I just lie and make up stories about all the cool stuff I've done

Hey - if you are at a spouse's function (i.e. their Christmas party) make up stories about your spouse...really get the rumor mill going for Monday morning.