I’m not good at this.

Mingling. Small talk. Working the room.

These are not my strong suits. Just last night I was talking to a co-worker who was bemoaning the fact that her significant other was being a wallflower. I told her that I’m guilty of the same behavior. Given the fact that I had just finished performing in front of several hundred people, she expressed doubt that I was being genuine. As I explained to her, there’s a difference. When called upon to stand in the spotlight, I’m very comfortable. Probably the fact that I have done this (according to a nifty little document I keep called my “complete resume” ) over 7000 times might have something to do with this. But once the spotlight is off and I am in a social situation, I tend to find an unoccupied corner. I believe the term is “extroverted introvert”. And then, last night, I demonstrated this by pulling what I refer to as an “Irish exit”. After I had talked to a few folks and took a few pictures, when I got to the part where I had faded to a corner and was watching other people talk, trying to figure out whether I should try to integrate myself into a conversation, what where they talking about anyway, would I know a damn thing about whatever subject was being discussed, if I was part of the conversation, wouldn’t I already be “in the IRL chat”?…

You know, that endless loop of awkward, self-conscious doubt.

At that point, I did what I do to solve the issue.

I left.

That’s what I do. No big “hey guys, I’m leaving. See you all tomorrow.”

None of that. I just get up and go. That feels like something I can control. No doubt. No awkwardness. Time to go. But……

….I digress….

I don’t think I’m crazy unique in this. I think there are a lot of people who are uncomfortable in social situations. I don’t think they all handle it like I do, but I think they do exist. And here’s where I finally get around to my point for this week.

Social interaction.

There are times when I will force myself out of my comfortable chair (and yes, I have one. And it reclines). I get up, get out and get social. Whether it’s to a coffee house, a restaurant, a movie theater, whatever. Maybe it’s just a walk in the park. Whatevs….

Why?

Because, gentle readers, social interaction is HEALTHY. There are benefits to getting out & amongst your fellow man (or woman). According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control);

“When people are socially connected and have stable and supportive relationships, they are more likely to make healthy choices and to have better mental and physical health outcomes. They are also better able to cope with hard times, stress, anxiety, and depression.”

Other benefits listed by the CDC include;

Improved ability to recover from stress, anxiety, and depression.
Promote healthy eating, physical activity, and weight.
Improved sleep, well-being, and quality of life.
Reduced risk of violent and suicidal behaviors.
Reduced rate of death from chronic diseases

See, healthy stuff, right?

Also, social contact can improve not just your health, but your quality of life;
Sense of support from friends, families, and others in the community.
Sense of belonging.
Feeling loved, cared for, valued, and appreciated by others.
Having more than 1 person to turn to for support, such as getting a ride to the doctor or grocery store, or getting help with childcare on short notice.

So, even if you feel awkward in social situations like, say , me. It’s important to get out there and mix, mingle, and become a thread in this huge, interwoven tapestry we call life. You don’t have to stay til the end.

You don’t have to be the life of the party. Just be alive in the party.

Talk Later,

Bob