Redheaded Jill

Guess what’s hard… making friends as an adult! Why? Because small talk kills the soul and it’s so weird to invite adults to hang out. Does it have to be awkward? No. But do I end up feeling awkward 90% of the time? Definitely.

I am going to start introducing myself as a “recovering anxious person” like Vanessa Van Edwards does. (She says recovering awkward person, but same sentiment.)

Sometimes when I’m uncomfortable I talk more, which is BAD. Because my filter disappears and I say something weird, conspiratorial, sarcastic… The reception of these comments is usually what stresses me out the most. I start with the word vomit and I can’t stop myself.

The other night I was talking to an older gentleman at church and I didn’t know how to gracefully bow out of the situation. It ended up with me joking about my brother, and then it made my brother sound like a psycho because I kept the joke going.

I actually apologized to my brother and warned him in advance that I got weird. (He’s used to it.)

Anyway, the lesson I’m learning this month is how to effectively make friends with other adults and not making it weird. If I master the skill I might write a book on the subject, but don’t hold your breath.