Is it weird to start conversation with a stranger in the park..?

[summersun08]

My son is a year old, born just before the first lockdown. I’m a first time mum.

I’ve found maternity leave quite lonely. During the summer I managed to get out and go to a few baby classes (when they were allowed) but I never really made and friends from going.

I have friends but none of them have children yet so I don’t have the option to meet them during the week.

Every day I take my son for a walk around our local park. I usually go the same time after my sons morning nap.

For the last few weeks when we go there is a woman there pushing her son.
I would guess she is a similar age to me and her son is about the same age as mine.

I’d love to have a friend to meet up with locally and so many times I thought about waving to her or asking if she fancies a walk, but I feel like it would be weird.

It’s not in the playground like we’re both stood around, we’re both walking when I see her.

I’ve also, since having my son, been struggling with low self esteem and I’m worried she might not want to be seen with me.

I’ve gained weight and my psoriasis has flared which is noticeable on my face.

I just don’t want to appear to be a weirdo approaching her, but if she’s local and we both have children the same age, id love to have company on my walks.
Or even just someone to make some plans with when restrictions permit.

It’s not weird at all.

Just don’t get ahead of yourself in planning to be new BFFs. You might not like her once you get to know her!

Not weird at all. I talk to everyone, everywhere.

Speak to her! Am sure she perhaps feels the same. I've had mum strangers talk to me, never found it weird, instead its made me very happy. It can be lonely having a child, and entertaining them, she's out at the same time as you, would be perfect to speak to one another

I think it's nice when you're alone and someone randomly says hello or starts a bit of light convo.

I do it all the time! I have a very sociable 8 year old who always ends up meeting a friend at the park, I always have a chat with the parent. Just start off with 'hi, how old's your little one?' And take it from there, good luck op

Not if you're Northern.

My mum does this and she has tons of friends. She met a very good friend at a bus stop. It's very embarrassing to watch as she has no inhibition but in fairness she has a great social life because of having no inhibition. You just have to be prepared for negative reaction so don't be put off

Yes my mum is extremely northern. I think she thinks it's rude not to chat

think of a few conversation openers and practice them

“Hi, isn’t it a glorious day? “

“Excuse me asking, but I’ve been admiring your boots, where

did you get them”

“Is your pram a *bugaboo? How are you getting on with it? “

• other makes available.

“Hello! I always seem to see you here. We must be on the same feed/ walk/ sleep schedule”

I think your over thinking this very unlikely you’re gonna become friends with some mum you just pass in the street, just join an app for making friends instead

No - but I only stop and chat to people with dogs

I’m northern, too-maybe that explains it!

@0gfhty

Yes my mum is extremely northern. I think she thinks it's rude not to chat

That's me, I literally can't walk past someone without saying hello on a walk(obviously not in a town centre or other busy place)

Not acknowledging someone when there's no one else around is completely alien to me, clearly not everyone is the same though, no way to tell in advance what reaction you'll get.

Just start with a "hi" move on to "Windy today" with a smile - see how she responds. You should get an indication after a few days. Good luck hope you find a friend!!

Like other PPs suggest start with eye contact and a brief hello or W/e then see how they react.

I’m also a lockdown mum and someone similar age few doors down had a baby 3 months after me.. great I thought let’s be friends. Nope, she blanked every attempt, even congratulations and Christmas cards.

On the other hand friendly dog owner we got chatting for ages, if I see her again I’ll stop and say hi and walk with her for sure.

Lots of people are lonely right now, not everyone though.

I think that’s what I’m struggling with, I feel almost desperate (sad, I know) for a mum friend and I’m worried I might come across that way and frighten the poor woman!

I think this is how 99% of new mums feel (regardless of lockdown). Becoming a new mum can be incredibly isolating and the countless sleepless nights make things feel a whole lot worse too. Say hi to the woman. Chances are she would like some adult conversation and an opportunity to make plans to socialise her child too.

FWIW, I am quite introverted but was super pushy when I had my first, asking for people's phone numbers and arranging playdates/coffees/picnics etc. I asked pretty much EVERYONE I met because I was desperate not to get stuck in the house with my screaming baby and I ended up with some great friends. Good luck!

I have swapped numbers with not one but two other women who I met in the street in the last few weeks, in both cases because we both realised that we had the same age combination of toddler and new baby. I've been to the park with one of them three times now. I would have been surprised at this happening before but now I think everyone with tiny children is essentially going nuts and the one upside to that is that we're all so desperate for adult conversation that we'll talk to strangers!

Totally normal. My maternity leave was mainly spent pushing the buggy around having random chats with people I bumped into. I loved it!

Just say "hi, how are you?" "I often see you out walking, how old is your baby?" Then if she's looking for a conversation, some baby chitchat will follow. If she's not, don't take it personally just chat to the next stranger.

I'm a dog owner. I talk to people all the time