Disconnected

Im sure we have all been there, in a social setting or gathering where we don’t quite feel comfortable or engaged and then retreat to a “safe” space. In most cases it’s our cellphones as it is easier to scroll through our devices and look busy than it is to strike up a conversation with a stranger or acquaintance. Retreating from reality we turn to a place of familiarity or comfort offering a relief from the social anxiety that we experience. For kids it can be as simple as not fitting in to a particular game and feeling outcast and for me it’s usually not knowing what to say when striking up a conversation. Sometimes it flows naturally and often after the “Hi, how are you?” an awkwardness arises, leaving me lost for words. As per my post yesterday, perhaps the best thing you could do in this situation is pay the other person a compliment, creating a talking point and opening up the way for a more personal interaction.