[mick07]

I'm scheduled to go to a work retreat tomorrow. It's one of those team building activities. I do okay with people in a work enviroment- it"s taken some time for that. But now they want me to socialize with my fellow workers. My anxiety's been rising for the past week. I don't do well in social situations. I can't make small talk -- I don't know what to do in these situations, I get so tongue tied that I sound stupid-- my anxiety gets so high I can't think. I've tried to get out of it --No lucK! The more I withdraw the more the leader tries to get you involved in team building. UGH!!! I just don't know what to do

Originally Posted by mick07

I'm scheduled to go to a work retreat tomorrow. It's one of those team building activities. I do okay with people in a work enviroment- it"s taken some time for that. But now they want me to socialize with my fellow workers. My anxiety's been rising for the past week. I don't do well in social situations. I can't make small talk -- I don't know what to do in these situations, I get so tongue tied that I sound stupid-- my anxiety gets so high I can't think. I've tried to get out of it --No lucK! The more I withdraw the more the leader tries to get you involved in team building. UGH!!! I just don't know what to do

Mick07
Best advise is take it slow and be yourself...
Step back some if you need to explani to your issues
If you can not make small talk , Just relax if you can till something comes up you feel comfy talking about
Muffy
good luck to you

[Schatje]

It is so hard to have to be put into a situation like that. Just try and do your best. A lot of team building exercises are pretty structured and usually there is someone who is more than willing to be a leader of sorts so that may help a bit. If they hit on something you are comfortable at all with I would pounce on that bit so that they don't think they have to try too hard to encourage you to participate in other ways that may make things worse. Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

[pachyderm]

As usual Muffy has it right (or she agrees with me!): take it slow and be yourself. You may think that will not win approval, but it might actually get more approval in the long run if you can stay yourself (whatever that is), especially from people that you really would like to approve of you.

[Sannah]

Hi Mick, asking people questions is a good way to learn how to socialize. People love to talk about themselves.

[mick07]

Thank you all, I used some of everyone's suggestions and survived without making myself look foolish ( or at least I think I did). It feels pretty good that i did it but I'm SOOOO glad that I won't have to do it again until next year

[multipixie9]

Congratulations Mick07,

I know how tough that was, it would terrify me too. I practically stroke out over my husbands Christmas party for work. You did it and I applaud you!!!!!!!

Leslie

[Schatje]

Congrats. You should be proud for making it through it.