Everyone has a comfort zone. Some are very narrow and small in size. Others are almost without boundaries. If you would ask me to define mine, I would say it is "the familiar". I am most comfortable with what I am familiar. Familiar people, familiar food, familiar places, etc.
As a REALTOR, I am probably perceived as an extrovert. It's my job. I'm comfortable with it. I'm good at it. Even though, at times, I work with people I am not familiar with, I am doing something I'm very familiar with. With that said, I am a borderline introvert/extrovert. Which probably would surprise those that know me well. Those that know me well are those "familiar people" that are within my comfort zone. They would most likely describe me as an extrovert. With them, I am always laughing, joking, sarcastic...myself. If I am going to a function where I know there will be a lot of familiar faces, I won't stress over having to attend. I will go willingly, knowing I will have a good time.
However, my introverted side is present when I am surrounded by unfamiliar people. It's then that I have to stretch the boundaries of my comfort zone.
Extending my hand and introducing myself to a stranger is something I've had to force myself to do through the years. Learning to smile at people as I pass them in the grocery or other public spaces is necessary so I don't appear to be a snob. Years ago, I attended a women's retreat where I learned that the majority of the women in attendance thought of me as stuck-up. A snob. WOW! That was my wakeup call and I decided I had to stretch the boundaries of my comfort zone.
So, unless I can recruit a friend to attend the polymer clay class with me, I will have butterflies in my stomach before I get there. I will walk in with a smile (a nervous one) on my face. I will chose a seat next to a friendly looking face. I will say "Hi, I'm Dianna McBride". Then, maybe, I can relax and enjoy myself.
On the other hand, this is a small town and chances are good that I will know someone there.
I can't imagine anyone thinking of you as stuck up, Di. Wow! You're one of the nicest gals I've met.
ReplyDeleteIt's really striking, sometimes, how misunderstood you can be by other people. I, too, have been startled at times to find out how some people perceive me.
I'm like you -- if I don't know you, I can come off quite standoffish and uninterested, I'm afraid, but if I do know you . . . look out! :)
P.S. The jewelry class sounds like fun. I know you'll be good at it -- you have great style!
ReplyDeleteRenee, thank you, I think you are a sweetheart too! I wish you were closer, I would take you to the class with me!
ReplyDeleteI agree with LemonyRenee'. You do have great style Dianna and you always have since I've known you from way back in high school.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post. You have a gift for writing! See another gift to add to your list right along with creating and baking!!! I'm so glad I joined you at the bead class tonight. It was really nice to spend time with you and get to know you better. Thank you for asking me to go.
Keep shining through your beautiful style and share those beautiful brooch creations with the world.
♥Lee Ann