Help me with my anxiety this morning please

[Worththewait2019]

I suffer with anxiety which is crippling some days.

I have 2 family members coming over to see me & my baby this morning which I've not seen for a couple of years and I'm getting nervous. I feel embarrassed even saying that! It sounds stupid that I should be nervous seeing 2 people that I like but that's what happens to me.

I always really want to see people but as time gets closer I always get this churning nervous anxious feeling.

I'm panicking it will be awkward and I won't know what to say. I'm panicking they will criticise my parenting style or something like that.

Help me! What can I talk about?

Anyone?

I used to be like this, just ask them how the journey was, discuss the weather and ask what they have been up to.

If the convo doesn't flow don't worry they will just leave after a while u will be so busy with baby u probs won't even have time to worry x

I suffer with anxiety too so I can sympathise.

I'm sure it will be fine. Who are the visitors? They will probably be more interested in meeting your baby 😊

I hate feeling this way, I always feel really odd

They are distant family members who I used to get on really well with years ago.

I find that if conversation gets stuck or awkward that asking about films / books / Netflix shows, etc. can be a good opener. It moves conversation away from polite feigned interest in what second cousin Carol did on her recent holiday to something that people can show genuine interest / passion in talking about like they would with their everyday friends.

I hope it goes well!

In my experience, the best thing about having a baby is that it deflected attention from me plus created a topic of conversation to replace my terrible small talk! Good luck x