Out of the comfort zone

When my usual reclusive nature wants to take a break, I meet up with various friends. One or two at a time. No more than four. But sometimes the minuscule gregarious part of me says, “Hey, let’s go to a gathering and maybe make a new friend or two!”

Okay, it’ll be something different to do.

That’s why I’m at the Tillamook gathering. However, I’m not doing a very good job of friend making. I joined the pot luck dinner yesterday and I even shared some stories. But I failed at the Socializing 101 stuff, like asking people their names and swapping a few personal details. I’ve gotten way out of the habit.

I tell myself, “It’s okay. This thing doesn’t really start until tomorrow. I’m not here early to get a jump start on socializing. I wanted to get a good spot and settle in, to shift out of traveling mode. But tomorrow—yeah, that’s it, tomorrow—I’ll drag out my best meager friend making skills. The goal will be to come away with one new friend.