Sheils Writes

Ah yes, the work holiday potluck … I’m writing this as I’m feeling the feels.

I don’t know when I became socially awkward or if I just always have been this way. I don’t call what I feel social anxiety, that’s a whole other can of worms.

I’m thinking, however, I’m not alone in being socially awkward? Hear me out. For about 75% of my work day I do my work, interact with faculty, students and even small talk with coworkers. I’m OK. I can handle it. All of a sudden it’s the event with all my colleagues that’s happening, the Holiday Pot Luck. Now I’m odd.

I’ll go, of course. The alternative is to sit alone at my desk and I know I don’t want that. I will see all the people. I will do my best to not make a loud, weird laugh, or talk when I’m chewing. Hope I don’t spill my plate of food while holding my drink. How do some people make that part look so effortless?

In a few hours it will begin. I’m already playing out worst case scenarios. I really wanted to share my thoughts to let others know they are not alone with these same feelings. Not going, however, is never the answer for me. So onward! I’ll enjoy myself, 30 minutes will pass and I will be right back to my comfort spot of my desk and chair until the next event. I keep thinking they will get easier for me, but by nature, I am inherently awkward. We are not alone.