I've often thought that I am actually MORE outgoing in real life than I am on here. It took me a long time to feel comfortable on these boards - IRL I am very talkative and not very shy in social situations. I wonder if it's related to the "permanent-ness" of writing out your thoughts instead of speaking them and also to being able to read non-verbal cues (which is impossible online obvs).
What about y'all? Are you shyer online or braver than IRL? I'm curious.
Re: s/o "internet social awkwardness" (from FFFC)
I am super shy IRL. I'm not sure how I come across on here, but it can't be any worse than my real life awkwarness.
"awkwardness" is one of those words that looks funny in print. Just a random thought.
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ITA. I am also one of those people that strangers love to talk to. I joke that I must have "one of those faces" and it's weird because mom has the same issue. No matter where I am, people talk to me.
Totally what I was thinking. Whenever I go to the park with DD we usually end up in our little world because even if I try no-one wants to talk and those that do kinda scare me for whatever reason.
It doesn't help that I feel very put off by the fact that I run into a lot of women who are of a hugely higher SES than us and they exude that pretentiousness. We live in a good neighborhood but are the buffer zone (as it were) to the "ghetto" of N. Omaha, so most moms I meet come from the big houses.
I am very insecure and tend to stick to what I know so I don't get too scared.
I think I'm the same on here as IRL. Sorta shy, but open once I get to know people. However, I don't post super regularly on here b/c, honestly, I know that I'd get snarky and I don't have the energy to argue online and type it all out. Especially b/c a lot can be misinterpreted without the nonverbal cues and blah blah blah. I usually just respond if I can do so nicely and easily.
Are you serious? I pictured you as very outgoing!
Me too!
Ditto.
I'm going to avoid a self-bashing in this post, but yeah. I used to be more outgoing IRL but after not working and getting out as much and getting hugely fat, I am ridiculous in social situations now.
I agree - IRL, my friends ask stupid questions, and I am happy to help them. I don't make them feel bad for not knowing everything about TTC or FF vs RF, etc. Also, if I want to tell my friends about problems I have with my husband they don't call him a douche or say things like "did you not know that when you married him?" I can also be excited about my fun frivorlous shopping trips without being accused of flaunting money or bragging. There are A LOT of things I won't share on here because I don't want to deal with the ::side eyes:: and ::eye rolls::
Bah - not at all. I'm really pretty shy and quiet. After I get to know you, I'm better but it takes a while.
I've lived in MD almost 10 years now and had not met a single person until I met the ladies from here at a GTG this year. I had to force myself to actually commit to going to the GTG and I'm so glad I did but I stressed about it for days and actually drove by the GTG site and almost went back home.
DS has really helped with it though, he's a great ice breaker.
Self-fulfilling prophecy, eh?
A lot of my akwardness started young. When I met DH I have slowly come more and more out of my shell but even now I surprise people when I get comfortable because I am so sarcastic/dry (defense mecanisim sometimes) I am kind of a drive by social butterfly. It comes and goes and totally depends on everything else going on around me.
My parents were both in the AF and so I got used to my friends being around for a short time. I can make friends and not feel bad if the friendship drops to the wayside. It's "normal" to me in some twisted way.
I think I am pretty much the same here as I am IRL. I'm kind of slow to warm up with new people and situations, but once I am out of my shell, I'm out of my shell all the way. I very rarely actually get close to people though.
IRL, I have had my best friend for 1/2 my life, DH & I are high school sweethearts, and then a bunch of not as close friends. On here, I have been around for almost 2 years and have no posse. I'm closer to a few of the STL girls since we've met in person, but that's it. I feel like the least known silver poster ever, and its totally my own fault. Lol.
I am about the same. I am pretty shy, unless I feel comfortable in the situation. On this board I am still pretty shy, but on the other board I frequent, not so much. I grew up being painfully shy and it still takes me a while to make friends.
I also know I have self-esteem issues regarding the validity of my thoughts. I'm often around very loud, outgoing people (DH's family) and I've just learned that since I'm naturally quiet (my voice doesn't carry well) to just keep quiet instead of fighting to be heard. I think that carries over here.
I am much more outgoing IRL. DH always teases me because I am one of those people that someone will know for 5 minutes and tell their deep dark secrets too lol.
On here, it depends on the day. Some days I am feeling more bold and post a bunch, and others I am intimidated or feeling shy and mostly lurk.
I guess i am more outgoing IRL. if thats possible?? or maybe im the same.
but i do know its easier for me to *speak* my mind instead of typing it. I am very expressive and feel the need to use my hands to get my point across lol
I'm very much like this. Especially if it's a situation where I don't know many people. I always agonize over it for days in advance, thinking oh people won't like me, or what if I say some thing stupid or make an a** of myself. Then afterwards I always think to myself, now why did I agonize over that so badly. My DH is very much the social butterfly, so I think in some aspects he's helped me come out of my shell.
On here I think I tend to shy away and lurk more often for fear of being flamed or misread.