I wish I wasn't so socially awkward

Women absolutely love my dogs, and I'm just like "yeah, they're pretty cool, huh?"

I can't blame anyone but myself for being single this long

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SW-User

Is that socially awkward?

I guess people really expect us to put on a performance for them. I can't imagine myself responding any differently than you did.

TinyViolins · 31-35, M

@SW-User Well, they're taking the time to start a conversation with me when they don't need to. I just end up brushing it off as nothing because I'm so used to being invisible.

I feel like if I put a little effort in to keep the conversation going, I'd have a chance of at least making a memorable interaction

Mellowgirl · 31-35, F

Tbh im the same but that's mostly because people are only interested in him.
But I don't actually care... It is what it is...
I rather not divulge my business.
People make a lot of assumptions based upon me because of my race and how I dress...
But my dog is still pretty young and jumpy I'm not wearing my nice clothes to walk him to. Destroy them. Kmt!

But don't be so hard on yourself, some chat is better than no chat.
Also over time things will improve...

TinyViolins · 31-35, M

@Mellowgirl Yeah, my thing is that I don't really care either. I mostly just want my dogs to run around and have fun so I can go home and relax while they're tuckered out.

On the other hand, however, I don't really talk to people and they don't really talk to me. Being out with my dogs is one of the few opportunities I have to talk to people, particularly women, and I repeatedly blow those opportunities by staying in my shell.

I just don't really know how to be comfortable around people. Or at least comfortable enough to open up and try to be personable. I'm not trying to force myself onto anybody, but I also don't do myself any favors by being aloof all the time.

Mellowgirl · 31-35, F

@TinyViolins how old is your dog?
And did your dog ever experience the over excited behaviour when it comes in contact with other dogs...

TinyViolins · 31-35, M

@Mellowgirl One is 5 years old, and the other isn't even 2 yet. Yeah, they can be pretty excitable, but I keep a close eye on them to make sure they're not crossing any boundaries. They're so much better now in behaving around other dogs and people.

They're creatures of habit. They'll learn eventually what is and isn't acceptable behavior as long as you're consistent in enforcing these messages. It's not about punishing them, but about helping them socialize properly.

Turns out I'm doing more for them than my parents ever did for me

HijabaDabbaDoo · F

That doesn't really sound awkward though. It sounds like a casual exchange. Forcing a conversation where there isn't one is more awkward.

TheRascallyOne · 31-35, M

RebelFox · 36-40, F

What’s holding you back? Because geez you’re amazing!

I will try to start up a convo. Tell them about my dog and ask them if they have any critters. Mostly people act like I’m too much, but I shoo away my fear of not being liked, because every so often you meet someone really cool. And hun…

YOU ARE SUPER FKN COOL!

TinyViolins · 31-35, M

@RebelFox Probably decades of social isolation and neglect, but at this point, it can be any number of factors. Mental health problems tend to compound over time

But I appreciate your kind words. I try to be good to people, but being good and being interesting are two very different categories