Does anybody else hate seeing acquaintances?

[Tomasso]

I'm a university student. Often times we do group projects in our classes where we have to work outside of class with people. During these group projects, I usually get comfortable enough to joke around and be myself and I love the feeling.

But then when I see the same people from my class group in the hall at school they are often times with their group of friends, I try to act like I didn't see them. Then everytime I see them after that, I feel extremely awkward and like I can't talk to them anymore. Then I get severe anxiety going to that class everyday knowing that that person is going to be thinking, what a creep I am

It lead me to realize a greater problem that I have. I have problems gauging how to engage acquaintances outside of the context I normally see them in.

Anybody have a similar experience?

 

[MikeyC]

Yeah, seeing acquaintances is bad because you don't usually want to talk to them. Sorry to hear of your anxiety.

 

[Illusions]

I'm a university student. Often times we do group projects in our classes where we have to work outside of class with people. During these group projects, I usually get comfortable enough to joke around and be myself and I love the feeling.

But then when I see the same people from my class group in the hall at school they are often times with their group of friends, I try to act like I didn't see them. Then everytime I see them after that, I feel extremely awkward and like I can't talk to them anymore. Then I get severe anxiety going to that class everyday knowing that that person is going to be thinking, what a creep I am

It lead me to realize a greater problem that I have. I have problems gauging how to engage acquaintances outside of the context I normally see them in.

Anybody have a similar experience?

I'm a student too, same thing applies to me. I've had to work with people on projects but in the end we didn't progress beyond only being groupmates. I think it's normal. When I'm not up for small talk or if I can't stop to chat, I usually just smile at them or say "Hi" and move on. Don't worry too much about it.

 

[twiggle]

Yeahhh I get this!! I'm way more anxious around people I 'half-know'. Seeing them makes me more intrigued about what the time is, and whether not anybody has text me....

 

[Nacho]

Wow, I can't believe you don't see what a good position you are in. It's great that you feel comfortable with them in smaller groups. If you see these people somewhere else just give them a smile or say hi. That's perfectly normal, don't fool yourself that they expect anything more than that

 

[Invisibleman]

yeah I get this. For me its a lose-lose situation, if I see them and talk to them I only half know them so its really awkward, if I see them and I dont talk to them its just as awkward. This plays a big role in applying places for a job,if I see an acquaintance working there I keep on walking...

 

[OceanMist]

Like I said before, I hate work. I hate everything about it. I don't like saying hi to people i work with and never do unless they initiate it. I don't care about their life and don't care to hear any of their stories.

That may sound rude but hey, I don't want to be there. The only reason I'm there is to get a paycheck so I can have money. I don't really know any other way to get money.

When i was in school, group projects were something I hated too. The worst were class presentations. I remember a couple teachers just didn't get that some people don't like talking in front of a class.

I've listened to regular people talk about how much they hate work too, so I'm not alone. This outgoing guy claims he tries to totally erase work from his mind when he's not there. It's a good strategy to keep ourselves sane.

 

[WeirdyMcGee]

I grew up in a small town.
Back home we have a saying; "No matter where you go in the world, you will ALWAYS run into someone from (insert home town name)"

And it is absolutely true.
I often walk past or end up waiting in a line where someone recognizes me, even though I live 200 miles away, now.

My ex had been to Mexico, Brazil, Texas, Jamaica and Cuba-- each time he traveled, he would run into at least one person who knew him from (insert home town name).

Whenever I shop in the city, I always run into someone I knew from highschool or elementary school- or someone who lived in my home town who knew me although I don't know them.
And it's always a big deal when they spot me, like;
them: "Oh, Weirdy!! What are you doing here? I thought you were on TV now or something...? What are you doing these days?"
me: "uhh... shopping?"
them: "Oh, cool!! Well, it was great seeing you!"
me: "yes... it was... great. Uhh..." (who ARE they, even?! wtf?!)

And I have this problem where people I've never met before seem to know me, somehow. -__-'
So, I don't like people recognizing me but I know it'll happen wherever I go, so I'm not surprised when it happens... just awkward.
Curse you, hometown!!

 

[Candide]

I usually try to pretend I don't see people when I meet them in public areas, I don't like talking to very many people. I guess I say hi but that's all.

 

[this_portrait]

Depends on who the acquaintances are.

 

[SilentBird]

I have these kinds of experiences with my neighbours.

 

[hidwell]

I have these kinds of experiences with my neighbours.

Definitely, its unfortunate but a major factor of anxiety. Social interaction is always difficult, and that's why we tend to avoid them.

 

[Tomasso]

These are some great responses people, i'm glad to see others know what its like.

 

[MikeyC]

I have these kinds of experiences with my neighbours.

Ah! So do I! There's been a few times I have wanted to check the mail or wash my car but seeing neighbours out there has severely hindered me. I have nothing against them and most are friendly enough but it still makes me stay inside.

 

[SilentBird]

Definitely, its unfortunate but a major factor of anxiety. Social interaction is always difficult, and that's why we tend to avoid them.

Ah! So do I! There's been a few times I have wanted to check the mail or wash my car but seeing neighbours out there has severely hindered me. I have nothing against them and most are friendly enough but it still makes me stay inside.

I can choose to leave the house when there are no neighbours around but I don't know who is going to be around when I come home. I somehow work up the courage knowing that I will soon be in my "safe place."

 

[Nathália]

I remember in highschool I had this one acquaintance that I use to hang around with in morning with my good friend. I was comftoable with him around my friend but it was so awkward because he wanted to talk to me but I was too shy. I use to take the longest route to class to just avoid him. Or I would go in the rest room for one minute until I thought he was gone.

I don't know what to say and what not to say to them. When I get nervous I stutter and say things I don't mean, sorry I can't do it.

Acquaintances or friends that have become distant from me, make me ultra nervous.

 

[bsammy]

uggh yes i hate running into acquaintances or local neighborhood folks..it isnt even necessarily anxiety but just the dread of having to talk to people..it sounds so bad to put it like that but id guesstimate about 90% of the time i dont really want to talk to anyone, whether i know them really well or not..i just have to be in the right mood to socialize..when i just cannot avoid someone i will talk to them but its usually forced and not enjoyable..

thru my 35 years of life i have never really found a way to make these situation easier or more enjoyable..