The past weekend was monopolized by Robby's burgeoning social
calendar. Between play dates and parties, I spent the majority of my
time chauffeuring him around town. I suppose that this is simply a taste
of what lies ahead in my future. All complaining aside, it is nice to
see him so happy and busy with his friends.
Friday,
while sitting in the parent area of yet another bounce house, I had a
revelation. I consider myself a social person, put in a room of my peers
and I can start a conversation with just about anybody. However, I
don't seem to fit in with the parents of Robby's classmates. As they all
chatted and joked with each other, I felt like a shrinking violet in
the corner of the room. My laptop became a shield to keep me occupied
and to keep the isolation at bay while everybody around me seemed to be
having a great time.
This isn't the first
time I felt out of place among the other parents. At Robby's previous
school I had a similar issue. Although I was liked, I felt as if I was
never fully accepted into the social circle. I was heavily involved with
the class, but always felt excluded by the parents. In reality it
didn't bother me that much last year because I wasn't terribly fond of
any of the parents. In fact, I considered myself lucky to not have to
deal with them socially!
This year is
different. Robby's classmates are more down to earth and grounded, and
their parents seem genuinely nice. Despite my best intentions, I find
myself reverting to my high school mentality when I am in social
situations with this particular group of Moms. I tried to break down my
self-imposed barriers and open a conversation, but it wasn't successful.
It is awkward when everybody else is chatting and laughing, and my
contributions are met with single word responses and uncomfortable
looks.
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