become better at conversation

you know, once i get going, i actually can hold a conversation fairly well, it getting started that is killing me!
I usually think of myself as a pretty social person, but since i’ve moved to a new area, it seems like i have to start all over, almost like i’ve forgotten how to socialize!
The other thing is, sometimes I don’t know how to end a conversation. sometimes, if i’m uncomfortable with the person or the conversation, i’ll literally just go “yeah… yeah…” and start walking away or completely ignoring them. I’ve got to stop doing that! but that’s if i’m uncomfortable. If i like the person, sometimes i’ll stumble over my sentences or become really awkward when I’m trying to close a conversation or ask for a phone number.
anyway, the first step is always the toughest, so i’ll just have to get over it!

sucks when my mind goes blank when Im talking to someone and don’t know where to take it next. working on it though!

I’ve done this. been nvited to BBQ’s, out for beers this week, out to the movies, and out for doggie walks. In fact, now I am thinking this is actually a little too much socializing….

I was invited out to Lunch and shopping (I loathe shopping, but hey) by one of my work friends….

and also to the Dog park by a new nurse friend.

So I think I’m doing fine on socialness….
I may be able to check this off!!!

Got invited to a BBQ for Sunday from a neighbour.

And had a great day at the dog park…met all sort of people, some even my age…which is odd, as I imagined at 10:00am on a weds the only folks would be retirees…
:)
Had totally normal conversations, and no wierd awkward pauses…

Did great today. Spent about 25 mins with my neighbor Lynn. We just talked dog talk, and a little bit of friendly neighborhood gossip (she did the gossiping, as I know no one) so and so has 2 kids and Mr. SO and so has been here for 7 years,etc.
Nice.

I am so pleased, I invited one of the Unit Coordinators to take a Yoga class with me. This is something I would not normally do, but she thinks she might sign up. As always, with my goal to encourage everyone to better fitness, I was pleased abotu this, plus, I seem to be making some better friends.

I mean, I sat in an orientation with tons of people…and barely spoke to any of them. I really need to step this up and do better at this. But the book I had was actually very interesting and the people didn’t seem to be all that interesting

This town is excellent. Farmers market each week inthe spring and summer, people putting up original sculpture in their yards, a few Japanese Gardens, bike lanes, and butterfly trails to walk on. Signs say “Slow Down, we love our children”

BUt yet, I am a bit intimidated by all the wonderful people here. I am not very creative, and am somewhat pragmatic. (ok very pragmatic) So, I feel a bit awkward. I either talk too much or say the wrong things. I am hoping to practice more and get better at this, so I can meet some more people and make new friends!

I find myself at a loss for words all too often. I’m a good listener, but people often think that I’m ignoring them when I’m just at a loss for words. I really hate it when that happens.