“Hello?”
“Hi, Matt; this is Alex.”
“Oh, hey Alex! Good to hear from you! Are you still planning on coming on Sunday?”
“Umm, yes, that’s my plan, at least. I’m looking forward to it, but I have to tell you, I’m kind of nervous, too.”
“Alex, there’s nothing to be nervous about. Really, the group is pretty laid back and everything’s informal. It’s nothing more than lunch with a group of guys. Nobody is going to judge you, or put you down, or anything.”
“I don’t doubt you, Matt. It’s just that I’m pretty awkward socially. I get nervous around new people, and sometimes I can just freeze up, you know? Like, I can’t think of anything to say. Small talk is definitely one social skill that I never mastered.”
“Alex, there is absolutely no pressure. None of us bite, honestly! Remember, this is just a social group. The whole purpose of the group is to socialize. Get some like-minded people who might not otherwise interact together for some camaraderie. You just need to be yourself, nothing more or less. I think everyone is a little nervous the first time they join the group. You aren’t unique in that respect at all. And, like I said, there’s no pressure. If you don’t like it, you don’t ever have to show up again, right?”
“Intellectually, I know that. It just doesn't make it easier for the socially inept. Then you add in my age. I just don’t know if I will fit in
“I know it’s easy for me to say, but you need not worry. I have a feeling you’re going to fit in just fine.”
“Okay. You said 11:30, right?”
“Yes. At the Grumpy Goat Tavern on Mills Civic Parkway at, uh, Stagecoach Drive, I think.”
“Yep. I know where it is. I also may be running a little late. We’ve got a voter’s meeting at my church that I feel I should be at. They try to keep them short, but I’m sure it will go at least until 11 am. Showing up late always makes a great first impression.”
“You must be one of those people who hates being late. Well, don’t worry about it. There’s more than one person in the group who fervently believes in being fashionably late. You won’t stick out like a sore thumb or anything; trust me.”
“Uh, okay. As nervous as I am, I am still looking forward to it.”
“Well, that’s good to hear. I’ve mentioned to a couple of our regulars that you’re planning on coming. They’re looking forward to meeting you. As am I. So, no chickening out, okay? And if you need a pep talk before Sunday, just give me a call. Don’t worry, you’re going to fit in just fine.”
“Okay. Thanks, Matt. Have a good rest of your week, and I’ll plan on meeting you in person on Sunday.”
“You have a good rest of your week, too, Alex. See you Sunday.”
“Bye, Matt.”
“Goodbye.”
Posted 16 November 2024