For some being the only person dressed in jeans in a room full of suits and dresses could leave you feeling awkward. You may even experience anxiety. Attending a party, realizing you’re the only single there can leave a knot in your stomach and an ache in your heart.
Being the minority isn’t the easiest place to be for some people.
I recently attended a fundraiser event with a friend. When I walked in the door I felt underdressed and out of my social circle. This was my first time at such an event. As we sat down at our table I heard another girl express that she felt uncomfortable. As soon as she said it the only African American girl at the whole event, chuckled and said “you feel uncomfortable, try being me”.
It’s true we all can be somewhere, or with someone and feel uncomfortable, awkward, or out of our element. We can either let the anxiety take over, or embrace the situation. We can also look around, chances are someone else feels the same way.
If you’re the comfortable one, give a little smile to those around you, chat with them, and ease their anxiety. I’m pretty confident your time together will flow easier and you’ll all be more comfortable.
Erin, thank you for stepping out of your comfort zone to share your heart on this subject. I know it will be helpful to those who read it. Keep letting your light shine!
Living with social anxiety, I feel uncomfortable most of the time in social situations. It’s very difficult to bring change to mind when there’s a ball of fire in your stomach. I work through this by making plans to get out of the house and keep those plans. If I happen to be going to someone’s home I bring a small gift or a baked good. The main thoughts that keep me going are: I can do this and I am a good hearted, humorous person with a lot to bring to the group. There’s many more tricks to conquering social anxiety, one just has to be open and willing to accept themselves and want to change.