meeting new people

[deird1]

The thing about trying to make new friends is that you have to just throw random stuff you like into the conversation in the hopes that some of it sticks. Which means I'm spending a lot of time with people looking at me strangely.

To explain: I am interested in sci-fi tv, and boardgames, and playing accordion, and Latin, and murder mystery novels. I am, therefore, quite keen on finding out if any of the other parents at school drop-off are interested in the same stuff. And there is really no way to find out other than saying "I found a new boardgame I really want to back on Kickstarter!" or "I just went to an accordion-playing group, to play music together!" and seeing if anyone responds with enthusiasm.

But my interests are… rather strange. So I usually get puzzlement, and confusion, and the other parents being quite baffled as to why someone would voluntarily own three accordions. (Also, what is this "Kickstarter" thing, and what does it have to do with Monopoly?)

*sighs*

I will find my school dropoff soulmate, I really will…

Comments

[gillo]

You have a school-age child? I feel so old.

[deird1]

I feel so old.

So do I. :)

In a few more months, I'm going to have two school-aged children. Very weird.

[gillo]

Just you wait. I no longer even have a daughter in her twenties. :-0

[hnpcc]

Maybe start with the murder mysteries and move from there? Or the most mainstream of the sci-fi and branch out?

I have to admit my drop off friends we mostly chat about what the kids are doing, and exchange NDIS-related information.

[deird1]

I think the main problem is just that I suck at casual conversation, to be honest. I'm aware it's theoretically possible to build up to things slowly – but I have no idea how. (This social skills thing is tricky.)

[hnpcc]

Eh, I start with the most mainstream thing possible that I am aware of, which is usually the weather, and then move from there to kids. If you're roughly the same age you could mention stuff you watched earlier and see how/if they respond? I met more people via kindergarten than school to be honest - the social events were more common. And possibly more alcoholic.

[lirazel]

Saaaaaaaaame.

I was with a couple of people this weekend and told them I spent the whole day reading and they asked about the book and as soon as I said, "It's an alternate history steampunk early 20th century fantasy steampunk set in Cairo!" I could see their eyes glaze over.

[deird1]

Indeed. :)

"It's an alternate history steampunk early 20th century fantasy steampunk set in Cairo!"

This sounds awesome! Links?

[lirazel]

Here! The worldbuilding is incredible! Seriously some of the best I've ever encountered. The story itself is decent but not super special.

[immer_am_lesen]

You feel the need to find a dropoff-soulmate?
I avoid social interactions with parents where possible, as most of them annoy me too much...
The few parents I do talk to and who deign to acknowledge my existence, are ones who have had kids in the same classes as mine for years, and they started talking to me one day- usually because a baby is a good icebreaker. :-)

[deird1]

I guess the main thing is that I suck at social interaction and making friends (always have), and it's somewhat galling seeing all the other mums chatting, and getting to know each other, and hanging out, while I am still stuck in acquaintance-limbo. *shrugs*