become better at small-talk

...are helping immeasurably. I highly recommend this method, unless you’re in a relationship of course. LOL

With people I’ve never met before (www.meetup.com). This will be a good chance for me to practice my skills. :)

...last night on a date. I just don’t like it. This is one of those “take your medicine because it’s good for you even though it tastes bad” goals.

I need to get out of the house more in order to make this happen. I’ve been in kind of a pre-divorce/post-divorce cocoon. My good friend is moving back from Australia next week – she’s a social goddess, so I think my opportunities are about to expand, and I’m ready!

I was asked out twice recently and in my old life, I would have been totally flattered but turned down the dates, this time I said yes.

The first date (which was with a woman) was fabulous. Coffee and 3 hours of conversation. Small talk wasn’t easy for me, but I was honest about that, and it seemed to help.

Date #2 hasn’t happened yet, but I seemed to hold my own over the phone.

This is a work in progress…

Because I just have to do it.

I’ve tried this and done…ok, I guess. The first time was when I was at the beach and a toddler came and sat down next to me and played in the sand. His dad came over too, and there was a bunch of uncomfortable silence, until he broke the ice, and I ended up talking with him for quite a while and meeting the people he was with, so that was ok (though his wife didn’t look too happy about it, but I digress).

The other time was yesterday – my babysitter’s husband was at the pool, and I put down my book and actually talked to him a bit (before I would have kept reading and tried to pretend he wasn’t there).

Ugh, it’s uncomfortable but it’s something I really need to overcome.