This is a story about that one time I went out with a bunch of people I didn't know and not only didn't die, pass out from anxiety or look stupid AND had a good time doing it.
Introverting Socially.
I would like to clarify something here. I'm a very outgoing friendly person. I can talk the ear off of a stranger. As long as I'm comfortable in the situation.
A work? No problem
At Walmart? No Big deal.
But things like walking into a classroom of strangers? Anxiety up the wahzoo.
Signing up for a Meetup group and RSVPing for a movie with a bunch of strangers? Cue mild panic attack.
I still get anxious thinking about it and its over and done.
A friend of mine suggested I join this meet up group back in February, but the semester had just started and I really couldn't entertain the idea of adding something ELSE to my already busy schedule.
Now that the semester is drawing to a close, and all my peoples are taking off for the Wild Wild West (Literally: Texas, Utah, Arizona, Colorado... apparently the Gold Rush is back!) and I've realized how much time I have without a guide dog puppy... I started looking for things to do that don't involve shopping for clothes. After all, what's the point of having clothes if you don't have anywhere to wear them?
So I went back to Meetup.com and joined five groups.
*gulp*
I've been to a couple meets up prior, and had a good time, so it wasn't that I thought it was going to be "bad" per se.. but anxiety.
I guess I have this fear of reverting to my former shy self, and just stand against the wall holding my arm, looking pathetic.
What if no one talks to me? What if they think I'm weird? What if I can't find them? What if I got the wrong time? What if the world ends?? Will I have to watch the movie by myself? I already paid for my ticket so, yes Erin, you WILL not get your ticket refunded. Breaaaaathe girl friend.
Mind you this is all days before.
The day of I was fine, for the most part. I did regret booking my Friday night, when staying home and vegging out sounded like so much more fun. I don't need more friends! But I'd made a commitment, and I needed to do this. So I went out and found the group, and had fun!
Just like my non-anxious self knew I would be.
And yes I did go home and go right to bed because the stress!
Have you pushed yourself outside of your comfort zone lately? How did you cope?
