Anxiety at school drop off, other parents

[Chocolateandcakes]

Does anyone else feel anxious at the school drop offs and pick ups with making conversation with the other parents. I'm usually quite a confident person and can chat to strangers if needed but I find outside school with the other parents I feel quite socially awkward. Most seem to get on and know each other quite well by now but I just seem to be a bit of an outsider. I find when I do talk I het unsure of what I'm saying and end up replaying the conversation in my head afterwards and cringing at what I said. Starting to hate collection time as I know I'll either speak to no one or feel awkward if I do and then cringe later, is this normal?

Hi, realise this is an old post but thought I'd reply anyway. I feel this too and get stressed just leading up to drop off/collection. My husband who is outgoing cannot understand it and says he loves the chit chat and atmosphere of drop off.
I think others feel the same as there can be awkward silences but I try just to be friendly and smile and not worry too much about trying to impress.
Do you have a WhatsApp group with the other mums/dads? We have one which makes you feel more connected

Thanks for writing back,
I've actually found it's gotten a lot better, I just smile and say hello if I catch someone's eye but don't put myself under pressure to chat if it doesn't happen naturally. I'm actually happy just checking on my phone or chatting to my baby while I wait