To the Socially Awkward: It’s Okay!
You step away from a conversation, inwardly cringe, and think: “Ach, I shouldn’t have said that.” Later that night, as you lie awake dwelling on something better you could’ve— should’ve —said, it dawns on you that you just might be socially awkward. If not all the time, then maybe once or twice in life you’ve imagined a better verbal comeback or healthier line of encouragement after the fact. I’d had a week of those kinds of interactions. Although I’m naturally a reclusive introvert, I’ve learned to get along when I must. I don’t hate people; in fact, I love people how God has commanded us to. People are interesting. It’s just that I’m more of a thinker and observer. When I feel the need to say something, I prefer to spend time pondering it first. Anything abrupt isn’t usually my mojo; I don’t have the gift of gab. A one-on-one is great, or with a few I know well, and I can be quite talkative then. But add a few more or a group setting—especially among people I hardly know—and I can ...