Baby and toddler group nervousness

[quickquack35]

Does anyone else get really nervous before going to them?!
I can't help but get a feeling of social anxiety beforehand, more than any other run of the mill event, and wondered if anyone could relate to this.

It was the same this morning. Don't get me wrong I was so glad we went (I have an 18MO) but I really have to psyche myself up to it and remember what DD is going to get out of it. She loved it.

I'm sitting down with a cup of tea now and having a really good think about why I feel so nervous. The things that come to mind are:
•I was advised that a lot of people go to these groups to make mum friends, but I can't help but notice people seem to actually turn up with friends and seem to stay in their friend 'bubble' for the duration. Nothing wrong with this of course, but today I had the person next to me turn their back on me and I felt like a lemon (the set up of the group is that we're all sat in a horseshoe shape on our individual mats). I'm always happy to talk to anyone.

•I get nervous about the behaviour of my toddler if I let her roam about on her own but there is absolutely no reason for this. Up till now there's never been an incident, she's always well-behaved and just wants to go and join in. Occasionally I might need to take pull her back from something like all toddlers. I'm fully aware I'm being silly and perhaps projecting my fear of people judging me??

Anyone else able to relate of offer advice?

No, I understand. I very much relate to the anxiety of it. I only do 1 currently with DD (most of the others nearby are at her nap time typically) and every thursday morning I get the anxiety knotty stomach etc.

I too really wanted to make mum friends, but experienced the same thing with people turning up in pairs / groups and not really interacting with you much. The group I go to now, the women are lovely and friendly but nothing carries outside of the class as they all have friends.

I feel so sad for DD as I would love her to have a little pal. I've downloaded peanut but never hear back from people. Maybe it's me?

Also, sorry I don't have advice but solidarity as I'm in the same boat.

@SpiceRat

Solidarity is good - thank you for your response! 
The thing I have to keep thinking is 'DD enjoys it' and that's what keeps me going! I think I just have to keep booking these things and hopefully begin to build a rapport with people if they see me more often. Or I just go in there forcing the mindset of 'we're here to rock n roll whether you want to be friends or not'

Blimey, I never realised the social pressures of being a parent but don't want DD to miss out.

Yep I was the same, hated them.

Me too!
It took me months to pluck up the courage to go to one and I still get so nervous each time I go. The worst part is I get myself all psyched up and always come away feeling deflated because people don't really speak to me and I thought I would've made some friends by now!
My daughter loves it but I always dread them.
Nice to know it isn't just me!

Ok so yes mums to go to make friend but others are not that bothered and just want to get the toddler out of the house to wear them out before nap time. Start reframing it as that rather than a mums social. I went to one this morning and just sat on my own and didn’t make much conversation with anyone as I’ve been up all night with my other dc ill. Other weeks I will make conversation. I see plenty of women in groups but also plenty just playing with their kids or sitting having a cup of tea.
don’t worry about your toddlers behaviour. It’s quite normal
for toddlers to have meltdowns, snatch or push each other. I’ve seen lots do it and nobody bats an eyelid. I saw one the other week pull another’s hair scrabbling over a toy.