I hate being shy!

[AngieBelle]

I went to my high school's thespian alumni banquet last night. I had a really nice time, but it drives me mad that I'm still just as shy as I was in high school! I almost wanted to cry. I wanted to talk to people, particularly the older alumni, but found myself acting as if they were celebrities. You'd think the college program and all the DIS meets would have helped, but I still tend to just drift from one group of people to another and listen to conversations. I even felt nervous talking to one of my old teachers! I hate being shy....hate it, hate it, hate it.

Anyway, here's a little report on the evening. I was among the first to get there and felt a bit weird because I didn't see anyone I knew! As it turned out, only a handful of people from my class showed up at all, which was kinda disappointing. Mr. Blustien, the head of the theatre department, kept telling everyone we had to get our picture taken because it was part of some surprise. I had trouble getting someone to take a picture with me cause I didn't want one by myself. Finally, my sorta-friend Diana agreed to even though she had already had one taken with a guy, another alumni, who she was there with. They developed the pictures while we were there because the alumni gifts were nice picture frames monogramed with the date of the event. My pic turned out nice, but I can't stand how heavy I look lately.

The banquet consists of dinner, alumni singers, a speech from the alumni guest of honor, and a really funny skit that spoofed several teachers and alumni. This year's theme was Family Ties because the honoree's sister was a fellow alum and his mom was heavily active in the department. They did a whole sitcom parody! Complete with commericals and opening credits-my former school has a tv studio.

One tradition was also do is to go around the room and tell everyone what we've been up to. (ironically, Angela the Broadway wannabee is terrible at talking in front of people when not following a script) During that, I discovered Courtney Clement had come that day. Let me explain. I've seen every musical at my high school since I was in 5th grade. The first one I saw there was Oklahoma, and Courtney had starred as Aunt Eller. The summer after I saw that show, Courtney was a camp counselor at a day camp I went to. I remember being in such awe of her because she had been in that show! hehe. In fact, even at the alumni banquet, I still find myself feeling that way towards people from that show- almost like hob-nobbing with celebrities.

Anyway, back to the point, I hadn't seen Courtney in about 10 years- this was the first time she'd come to a banquet since I started going. I wanted to talk to her, but couldn't do it! I hadn't seen her since then and doubted she even remembered me so I felt foolish. I told the story to Mrs. Ridenhour, the secretary for the Playhouse, and she got Courtney's attention for me. She was really nice and rather touched I remembered her. She didn't specifically remember me, but she commented that during the banquet (this was afterwards at the party) she kept looking at me because I looked familiar and she couldn't figure out why. hehe. I found out her sister Julie who had graduated my freshman year did the college program at Disney too! still felt foolish that I had to get someone else to get her attention even though she had smiled at me once during the banquet.

I also got a hug and a hello from Anna Godwin which surprised me a lot. She graduated my freshman year and never spoke to me much before. She was Maria in the Sound of Music and Martha in Secret Garden in the high school productions.

My posts always turn into long reports! lol. I guess I like to write too much.

 

[Pembo]

Ang-I know how you feel! I never what to say when I'm at stuff like that! I went to my h.s. reunion a few years back and talked to only about 5 people! There were people there I've known since I was 5 and yet...what to say? and how to approach them?!

You are not alone in the world with this problem. I feel for ya!

 

[MdmMim]

Another shy one here--I know just how you feel! It's just so awkward to start talking to people--especially in a group situation. Those who aren't shy probably can't even imagine what it's like.

Like Pembo wrote--you're not alone.

 

[helenabear]

Angie, you are so not alone. I am honestly terribly shy. I really hate it to because I try so hard to get past it and I usually wind up feeling terrible and shaky the entire time... especially in large groups. I do feel for you!

 

[Snow White]

Im really shy too, I know what you mean, it can be miserable trying to get up your nerve to talk to someone, even someone you are familiar with! Im glad you went to the banquet tho, at least you won't regret not going!!! And I for one, like your long posts, they are really well written and easy and fun to read!

 

[Boots]

You know it is funny. I am not shy unless it is around "some" people. I could stand and talk in front of a 1000 people and I can stand in church and talk but if I am somewhere and there are only a very few people and they are kind of bunched up I will stand off. I don't know if it is shy or if I am insecure. Also Angie you can sing beautifully. I sing in my church choir, but mainly because I love to do readings. I have done two solos and was so terrified that I thought I was going to pass out, but here you audition to do all kinds of things. I could no more do that that fly!! Our choir director enjoys solos so I told him he could solo I would talk. I admire you for getting up and singing like you do. You once emailed me you singing and your voice is gorgeous! Each of us have talents and yours is in your voice! {{{{HUGS}}}}