So, as a kid I loved Halloween. I lived in a street with a bunch of friends, we all used to get dressed up, go to each other's houses for games then go round the houses of people we knew, did a 'turn' and got sweets. Great fun.
We live in a nice street, but don't know many of the other people who live here. Mix of families and older people. DS does go to school with a boy round the corner and we have had a couple of play dates in the past but I'm not really friends with his mum.
I got wind a few months ago that there was a street WhatsApp chat. Apparently nothing too active but some chat about plumber recommendations, that sort of thing. I asked a couple of other mums who have older children (who told me about the chat) if I could be added. They couldn't do it as not admins but said they'd get the admin to do it, took my number etc. Never been added so far.
One of the other things I learned is that there is a street Halloween party which apparently moves house every year. Have no idea who might be doing it this year but would imagine those in the chat know. I don't think DS (who is 6) would be too bothered. He likes going door to door for sweets and also likes handing them out but I'm sure would also enjoy a party if invited.
Things like this just bring out the social anxiety in me and the feelings of low self worth. I don't like pushing myself onto people but I also hate the idea of DS missing out and not enjoying the same type of childhood as I did. My anxiety leads me to feel like I'm deliberately excluded from the chat, which is probably ridiculous, but I don't know what else to do to try and integrate more. I'm not interested in making friends with everyone on the street but I would just like DS to have the opportunity to participate. Basically, it's about him, not me.
AIBU to feel so anxious about this? It's one day, over in a flash, but I feel it just highlights a larger issue.
I need to get a grip, don't I?