Socially Inept

This weekend I went out with my buddy and his college friends. It's been so long since I've gone out that I'm sure these guys thought "what rock did he crawl out from under". At least I know that I smelled good--and not like the mold that grows under rocks. I was told by one of the chicks hanging out with us that I smelled good. I couldn't even go with that compliment and keep the conversation going.

A big part of my problem (and no this shouldn't be a prerequisite) was that I didn't drink. I don't drink at least for the time being and I also was going to be the designated driver for my buddy who hadn't seen his pals in quite awhile.

One of the guys kept asking me if anything was wrong, if I was stressed, or did I have a lot on my mind. I didn't want to tell him that I was a nerd in disguise and that my social skills were inadequate. My buddy kept saying "what's wrong with you"? He couldn't believe that I had nothing to talk about or nothing to add to the conversation. How do you explain to a bunch of people that when all you've had is the wall across from your desk and review books that the first to go is your social skills.

Thankfully by the end of the night, I warmed up a little. This was because they had plans of doing paintball. When I was asked, "are you in". I was like HECK YAH!! And then I started to talk about all the ventures with my own buddies. And the conversation started flowing with stories of my own college pals (and I didn't betray them or give away any secrets).

When we went out the next night. It was a little more different. I was more relaxed and after seeing these guys trashed, it was easier to talk to them. What is it about getting completely trashed with someone that is a social binder? I made some new friends because they were trashed and I'm going to get to play paintball!!! Yipee!!