The Cellar - View Single Post - I have always admired people who are genuinely social

Sundae · 08-28-2010, 03:04 PM

Having lived away from home for so long and having come into contact with so many new people, I thought I could handle any social occasion. I wouldn't necessarily enjoy it, but I would be able to acquit myself reasonably...

First few times I went out with Mum & Dad were fine.
Their friends/ extended family came to visit.
I was me, I interacted, I found things to talk about and was shiny and sparkly.

Then we joined the LibDems. I became a party member at Mum's behest - she thought it might bring social opportunuties as well as getting me in with people who would look good on my references.
What's happened? Whenever we go to a social event I am pretty much ignored. Everyone talks to Mum. And I don't feel I even want to chip in, or if I do (occasionally) want to, I feel I can't, because I've been silent so long. The few comments I've made have been barely acknowledged - but it's not like they are talking over my head. I'm just smoehow on the edge of the group. Not ostracised, just not interesting or important.

And it feels bloody awful.
All the time I've spent here, feeling recognised, being part of the Treehouse Club.
Being slowly drawn into conversations at school, people stopping me in the corridor to talk to me, asking how I am, parents stopping in the street to talk to me, children coming up to me in public, wanting my approval.
All fades to nothing as I sit back in silence - like my Dad - and watch people come up and talk to Mum.
They think I'm her sister. And probably mute as well.

08-28-2010, 03:04 PM	#6
Sundae polaroid of perfection Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: West Yorkshire Posts: 24,185	Having lived away from home for so long and having come into contact with so many new people, I thought I could handle any social occasion. I wouldn't necessarily enjoy it, but I would be able to acquit myself reasonably... First few times I went out with Mum & Dad were fine. Their friends/ extended family came to visit. I was me, I interacted, I found things to talk about and was shiny and sparkly. Then we joined the LibDems. I became a party member at Mum's behest - she thought it might bring social opportunuties as well as getting me in with people who would look good on my references. What's happened? Whenever we go to a social event I am pretty much ignored. Everyone talks to Mum. And I don't feel I even want to chip in, or if I do (occasionally) want to, I feel I can't, because I've been silent so long. The few comments I've made have been barely acknowledged - but it's not like they are talking over my head. I'm just smoehow on the edge of the group. Not ostracised, just not interesting or important. And it feels bloody awful. All the time I've spent here, feeling recognised, being part of the Treehouse Club. Being slowly drawn into conversations at school, people stopping me in the corridor to talk to me, asking how I am, parents stopping in the street to talk to me, children coming up to me in public, wanting my approval. All fades to nothing as I sit back in silence - like my Dad - and watch people come up and talk to Mum. They think I'm her sister. And probably mute as well.