Socially awkward mum

[Wildgardenflowers]

I am currently feeling sorry for myself after finding myself in some recent socially awkward moments.
I have always lacked confidence and been introverted by nature. Though I do equally love socialising with people I know.

My daughter has started attending a few after school activities and I find being around other mums I don’t know drives my anxiety up.

I worry I’ll be seen as awkward or odd.
I also worry how that may impact my daughter but I want to show up for her - whether it’s birthday parties, swimming lessons - times when you have to wait around with other parents.

Just wondering if anyone else has found themselves in similar situations? How you coped? Any warm advice or just stories to share so I don’t feel alone!

I pre think of questions I can ask, sometimes writing them down in my notes app.
If they ask me a question, I make sure I ask it back. It’s natural to some people but I have to actively think this and remind myself to do it.

I’ve asked similar on here before and someone gave me the advice to just keep adding bits to the conversation; example - you ask about their weekend, they said they went swimming, you ask where, you can then discuss best places to swim, mention your favourite childhood place to swim, ask where they grew up, mention a great pool on holiday, talk about holidays, and so forth. Just keep finding ways to add and keep the conversation stepping forward.

if its clubs and hobbies, even if you know the answer to something you could ask someone if they know when the money is due/what time something is etc etc. if it’s a school party, maybe you could ask them about the next school trip, anything, even if you know the answer, just something to get it going.