Found a social situation I am not introverted in!

[BedraggledBlitz]

I've always been shy and awkward. I have a small circle of friends I've known ages. Never go out with work colleagues, always think they'd dread ending up sitting next to me.

You get the idea.

I've recently started taking DS to birthday parties and suddenly I can cope with this social interaction. In fact I feel like I am good at it and enjoy it! Wtf?!

I think it's cos

1. There's nothing at stake really. We will see each other at future parties for next few years regardless of what I do and say
2. The emphasis is on the kids so I don't feel judged
3. There's always something to talk about

Now I just need to apply this thinking to every occasion.

Oh wow! Birthday parties always filled me with dread! I was never so glad as when my youngest became old enough to be left without me staying! It made me anxious just reading your post!

I know. I'm really surprised at myself. It's been a revelation.