tuxedo cat Posted March 30, 2013 Posted March 30, 2013 I'm going out to a movie with some friends tonight. I should be excited but I'm not. It's been a kind of grey day with a couple of personal things coming to a head. I don't want to cancel because I took a rain check the last time I was invited, and I was the one who organized this hang out. I usually try to honor my commitments because I know how much it bothers me when others flake. These are friends from work whom I've never hung out with outside of the job, so there's an added layer of awkwardness. Any advice on getting yourself in the mood to socialize when your mind is elsewhere?
iKING Posted March 30, 2013 Posted March 30, 2013 Just go and try to have as best of a time as you can! There's really not much you can do beyond just taking a deep breath and putting your mind off of whatever it seems to be occupied with for the time being. It'll be there to think about when you get back you know? It's always good to try to be present with what you're doing. Personally I'm not great at being as outgoing if my mind is a million miles away, but do it anyways if there's been a commitment made. Don't worry about awkwardness, such a thing rarely exists. If you're there and present, just be yourself and have fun. If things get uncomfortable, just let it pass and move on with the interaction. 1
Imajerk17 Posted March 30, 2013 Posted March 30, 2013 I salute you for honoring your plans. All too rare these days.. No advice just wanted to comment on that. 1
CryForNoOne Posted March 30, 2013 Posted March 30, 2013 What about a glass of wine, if you're not driving, to take the edge off? Whenever I'm anxious about something at work or personal life, one drink sometimes really helps me forget about whatever I was stressing about.
MsSmurf Posted March 30, 2013 Posted March 30, 2013 I think it is important to honor plans, especially those made with colleagues that you have to interact with daily. The last thing you need is to become the office flake because that could hurt your professional development. As for not being in the mood? I totally get this and experience it sometimes myself. I just take a hot shower, put on something colorful, and listen to dance tunes while I get ready. While driving to the destination I think of happy topics to bring up during conversation lulls, perhaps something funny I saw online or on tv. Then I just plaster a smile on my face and give it my best. 1
Author tuxedo cat Posted March 30, 2013 Author Posted March 30, 2013 Well one of the girls in the group (the one I'm closest to) just cancelled on me last minute 40 mins before we were supposed to meet because she claims her car is being towed. The whole night is off now. I'm not sure whether to believe her, as she seems a bit flakey. I'm relieved on the one hand but also a little because this is the second time today a friend has blown me off. I seem to be having rotten luck with people this week. Ah well, I think I'll enjoy my alone time and curl up with a good cat and a movie. My cat never lets me down like this! 1
carhill Posted March 30, 2013 Posted March 30, 2013 Any advice on getting yourself in the mood to socialize when your mind is elsewhere? I usually say 'maybe it's me' and 'why not give it a try?'. I figure I can always bail if things go sideways. Most of the time, I end up enjoying myself. I credit my friends for most of that. They're good people and fun to be around.
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