I am an introvert and I just went to a little get together and had the most miserable time ever. I like people ... I just don't seem to do well in groups over 3 people. I finally just decided to leave. I wish I could do better. It does seem that my children shouldn't suffer because I prefer to stay at home with my crafts and gardening. It makes me feel bad. Of course looking at my daughter -- she appears to be more like me in that area. I think she would have rather stayed at home as well.

Am I the only social misfit out there?

No. I was that way when I was in school. My dh has really helped me come out of it.

The sad thing is, people don't see it as you being introverted, they see you as a snob. They think you think you are better than them. Or so that is how some of the people I went to school with said they used to think of me. And that wasn't the case at all.
My dh is really outgoing which has helped and at a young age I had a lot to overcome. Plus I worked in retail and had to make myself do things that I wouldn't normally have done all for my family. I really think that has helped me a lot.

I use to almost pass out in speech class. It was awful. I would loose sleep over it. Not to long ago I got up in front of the whole Rotary Club and gave a talk. I really had to make myself, but I did it!

I still find that if I don't make myself try to be social I will fall right back into being at home alone. I am alot happier in my own home in my own setting, entertaining myself. But it is kinda nice to get out some to.

This probably doesn't help much, but at least you know that you aren't the lone wolf out there!

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My gourds made the front page of the paper!!

I'm in introvert too!! I feel like people are watching me,
I get very self-conscious of everything I do, does that make sense?

I have tried to get out of it, but to tell you the truth, I like it.
It's solitary and peaceful to me. Family gatherings are difficult
for me, which is difficult for dh.

I would like to have a portable cubicle to surround me
when I go to social events, !

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Jen

Ya, I thought there would be like 5 people at this thing today and it was more like 25! I was so out of my element. Since staying at home full time with the kids, I think I'm getting worse. I should work on it -- just with smaller groups!

I seem to have the same problem. I am very self consous (sp?) and can't think of "interesting" things to say. Or if someone initiates conversation, I can't keep it going.

I'm sorry you had a miserable time. That makes me sad for you.
I would have never guessed you were that introverted, you are so active on this board.

What is it you are afraid of? SAying the wrong thing? doing the wrong thing? Are you able to laugh at yourself? Can you be whitty? I find that when you can laugh at yourself or make fun of yourself and be whitty too, it makes for a nice ice breaker. If someone is talking about anything cooking related, I always pipe into the conversation with, "No one would want to eat at my house"...and go from there. I am certainly no Martha Stewart and it's fun to make fun of myself!

The hardest part about being social is being willing to put yourself out there. Some people will love that about you and some won't....but you are at least trying. I myself have to do this alot and I always wonder if I am too over the top of if it makes it comfortable for everyone else that they see I want to be social. I think it's harder to say the same about someone who is shy, do you know what I mean?

Would it help you any, if say next time, you hosted something? Maybe start with a small gathering of friends and then build up to something bigger?

I don't come across as an introvert on here do I? It's because it's a writing thing! Isn't that odd?

I thought about this a lot last night. And I think I need to branch out from this group of women. They're nice (well most of them are ) and I really like a couple of them as individuals ... just not a group. And I think that is ok too!

I didn't mean to post this just yet -- hit the wrong button.

I'm living in the town that I grew up in and all of my friends from high school and elementary school, they moved away! But Doozer, you're right, having people here at my house -- that is a good idea!

I would have done the same thing if there were more than 10-15 people there. I can't take crowds. I love small groups, especially groups of 4-6 women where we are all a part of the same conversation and each person speaks as much or as little as they like. I never know where I fit in with large groups and feel intimidated and feel like I don't fit in. It use to bother me .. now I just know to stick with smaller crowds and deeper conversations.

I know exactly what you mean! I have such a good heart. I am not a snob at all but I've been accused of being a snob on numerous occasions because I don't enjoy large social gatherings or because I'm quiet and don't often initiate conversations.

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I was very, very shy when I was growing up too. However, I became more outgoing when I worked because I had to deal with the public. But now that I am a SAHM, I find myself reverting back to being an introvert. It's hard for me to make friends (even online!).
I know what you mean about feeling miserable in a crowd--I've been there too. Like I just want to hide! Hope it doesn't stop you from going to another get-together.

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A day without laughter is a day wasted.

Your not alone. I am very much an introvert. I am fine one on one with someone but throw in another person or two and I get very uncomfortable.

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