I was going to reply to this thread last night, but I’d had a few cocktails so I thought best not.
Now that it’s morning though, I recollect working with a woman named Sue who hated public functions of any sort. I worked in a lab, and she was extremely efficient at her job as an administrator. However, whenever the annual Christmas party came around, she declined to go, and I remember one night asking her why - and getting shushed by my boss.
She had a genuine fear of public places and people. At that time in my life, I did not get it.
Here and now: I absolutely do.

It sounds like your wife’s coworkers just want to get to know you. If you could set up an escape hatch of 20 minutes, that might give them what they need to leave you alone!

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:
It seems others are not ok with me being ok with not fitting in.

Are you referring to me as one of those people?

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:
It seems others are not ok with me being ok with not fitting in.

Are you referring to me as one of those people?

No. It was directed at last nights hosts.

Honestly, it’s not the people. I like them. They are good people. It’s the situation, completely.

It seems to me that this problem is easily corrected.

You explain to them you are uncomfortable at social gatherings. If they laugh it off and insist, you ask them to respect your wishes and your boundaries.

If they still think it's all a joke, just don't show up. If they ask you if you are coming, say no.

Unless you're dealing with complete imbeciles or a cult, or a cult of complete imbeciles, they will get the idea, eventually, and sooner, rather than later.

Yes, it really is as simple as that.

I hate em too. Family is ok. But “The Warden” is a society butterfly. I’ll suggest dinner out. She’ll want to invite everyone and their brother. Has to have an entourage. Go to all the parties, church social groups. I can count the people I want to be around, outside of my mother in law, children and grandchildren, on one hand.

Thank you for the invitation but will have to respectfully decline and please do not ask me why I"m declining because you will not like my answer................................. drill sgt.