Talk Me Through This...

[jayhawkmom]

Tonight my husband and I are going out to dinner with a few of his colleagues. I've never met any of them, so I'm nervous right off the bat.

To make matters a bit more.... um.... awkward for me, we are going to a local Italian Market style buffet restaurant.

I've looked over the menu, and while it's true that there are pastas galore, there are also many other foods to chose from.

So, I'm in a pickle. I'm nervous about meeting his colleagues, I'm nervous about the restaurant, and I'm panicking.

I think I'm going to call the restaurant once it opens up and see if they can give me options.

The neat thing is that all the food, even though it's a buffet, is prepared in the open where it can be observed. It's a really NEAT place, I've been there before, pre-gluten-free.

I can do this... right?

[Nancym]

Yeah, you need to call the restaurant. And if they can't accomodate you, figure out what your Plan B is! Good luck!

[jayhawkmom]

Plan B is to hide in the bathroom, or fake an illness. LOL!

Sounds dumb, but I'm painfully shy - as it is. I often come off as "aloof or snotty" to people who don't know me. And, I hate that. I just always have my guard up. And, to meet a bunch of "new" people in a setting in which I don't feel totally comfortable to begin with, well... is just freakin' daunting.

[Jestgar]

Plan B is to hide in the bathroom, or fake an illness. LOL!

Sounds dumb, but I'm painfully shy - as it is. I often come off as "aloof or snotty" to people who don't know me. And, I hate that. I just always have my guard up. And, to meet a bunch of "new" people in a setting in which I don't feel totally comfortable to begin with, well... is just freakin' daunting.

I'm with ya there. Can you muster up the wherewithal to say "I'm really nervous meeting new people" or something to that affect? If you can convey that, most people tend to want to take care of you and it seems to take the pressure off of you.

[gfpaperdoll]

oh have a good time & do not be nervous! & yes take the chance to say that you are shy or not sure what to do - if someone chats with you, tell them thank you & that you are a little on the shy side & trying not to be too nervous. If that is a kind chatty person they will "take you under their wing".

interesting about you being shy, I used to be shy. Interesting to see if yours goes away. Hwo long have you been gluten-free? Do you take B12?

Just smile...

[Fiddle-Faddle]

If it makes you feel any better, a lot of people, maybe even most, are uncomfortable meeting others for the first time.

You might try thinking in advance what you might like to ask them about themselves: "how long have you been with the company? Are you originally from this area? Where did you go to school? What was your degree in?" etc

The fact that you are in a restaurant opens up all kinds of conversation starters; "Don't you just love Italian food? Isn't this a neat restaurant? What is your favorite Italian dish? Do you cook at home?"

And think of how you'd answer all those questions, as they might ask the same of you!

I hope you have a wonderful and delicious time!

[jayhawkmom]

interesting about you being shy, I used to be shy. Interesting to see if yours goes away. Hwo long have you been gluten-free? Do you take B12?

I've been gluten-free since September of 06. Though, I totally confess to having a couple periods where I went back to the "old ways" because I was lazy. I mean, there's really no other explanation. Lazy. Yea.

Anyhow, yes... I do take B vitamins. I take a "Super B Complex." It does wonders with my motion sickness issues. =)

Well, dh is home from work. I guess I should go get ready. Ugh.

[YoloGx]

If it was me I would bring my own food in my (large) purse. Its a buffet so whose to know? Just use the plate and utensils they have there.

[jayhawkmom]

I'm home, and it actually went really well.

I had a nice glass of wine with my meal. I dined on grilled veggies, fruit, potatoes, and ice cream. =)

No one noticed a thing. Apparently, they all know my gluten-free status anyhow. I didn't realize dh discusses my dietary issues with his colleagues. Yikes.

[gfp]

I'm home, and it actually went really well.

I had a nice glass of wine with my meal. I dined on grilled veggies, fruit, potatoes, and ice cream. =)

No one noticed a thing. Apparently, they all know my gluten-free status anyhow. I didn't realize dh discusses my dietary issues with his colleagues. Yikes.

Well, its not just you but the kids ... I think that shows how onboard he is...