Daisies, Neighbors and Chicken
I’ve been reading Introducing the Missional Church
A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to meet some families in our neighborhood at our daughter’s Daisy (Girl Scouts) Vest Ceremony. It was really cute. A bunch of other kindergartners stood in a line and received little green vest they will soon be forming a daisy on with with “petals” they earn. The ceremony included an informal carry in dinner and families were invited. What a great opportunity to make some new friends!
To make a long story short, I chickened out. There were about 7 or 8 families there, including a handful of other Dads. I didn’t introduce myself to one person. And I was very disappointed in myself.
I am a self-diagnosed closet extrovert who grew up thinking he was an introvert. I never learned good conversation skills and the thought of initiating a conversation – especially on the phone – causes me mild anxiety. But when I finally get into a conversation, I am very energized. My dad never knew a stranger and I remember him always chatting it up in line at the grocery store. I really hope that is hiding in me somewhere.
So anyway… I was really hoping to make some new friends there but, alas, I let a prime opportunity slip away. We did chat with a family on the way out but I still did not learn any names. Why is it so hard for me to go up to someone and say “Hi, my name is Ben, what’s yours?” I know there are a number of tricks out there to help fellas like me. My friend Jared, who is a Marine Recruiter (until his recent promotion) told me to remember F.O.R.M – Family, Organization, Recreation, Music. 4 areas of life to ask questions of. But my first hurdle is working up the nerve to initiate the conversation.
Give me an email or a blog and I’ll talk your ear off.
Do any of you have the same problem? Any tips or encouragement you have would be appreciated! 🙂