I am an Introvert

I could also be described as painfully shy in certain circumstances. This doesn’t mean that I am not social within my familiar surroundings. I get along quite well socially within my group of friends, as well as at work. In fact, at work, it is part of my job to greet people, make light conversation, set people at ease, and I feel I do that very well. However, outside of my comfort zones, I always say that I don’t really like people. That isn’t true really, but it is extremely difficult for me to approach someone I don’t know and make conversation with them. That having been said, I have found a way to do just that. It goes right along with my opinion that I like animals more than I do most people.

Yes, that’s right, I exploit my animals.

I am beginning a new job soon, what will be my icebreaker? Of course, it will be photos of my pets. No, I don’t carry them in my wallet. I do however have a frame or two at my desk. I don’t have children (not overwhelmingly fond of them), so I can’t exploit them! If I were a man, I suppose I’d be one of those guys who would borrow someone’s baby to meet women.

I went to a dog park this past weekend. This is where I realized the difference in my social ability. I spoke to every dog and many of their owners! I was amazed at the difference in my behavior. I thought to myself, maybe I like these people more because I think they are “dog people”? Although that’s still a possibility, I discovered that without my dogs, I no longer have this super power of extrovertedness! Upon leaving the park I headed directly to the nearest pet store to stock up on pet food, goodies and treats. Once there, I notice a familiar face. There shopping right next to me was another dog owner from the park. Although it is permissible to bring your dogs into this store, that is really not an option for me as I have two unruly dogs (friendly, but a little excitable to say the least), subject for a future blog I am sure. There I was, unequipped with my newly discovered super power. I tried unsuccessfully to make eye contact with the woman. We even ended up separated by only one other customer in the check out line, yet no communication ever came about. I had specifically spoken with this woman and the fellow accompanying her at the park, yet couldn’t even acknowledge that we had had this previous encounter a mere 15 minutes prior. While walking to my car, I spotted this fellow and the dogs in nearby car. No acknowledgement then either. I reached my car, shoved my dogs from the driver's seat, started the car, and began my departure from the parking lot. As I drove by I waved happily at the fellow and the dogs. It leaves me to wonder why I have such bizarre social tendencies.