Getting Nervous Around OH's Family

lika_86

lufcgirl wrote: »

Now though, I'm actually frozen and can't think of anything to say at all, it's as if my mind goes blank! I find myself on my phone and look a complete idiot. This morning her sister came in her room, and instead of me asking if she'd had a good Christmas (as she wasn't at home last night) I stayed silent and words wouldn't come out at all! I felt so ignorant but I have no idea where this is coming from. Her Mum I was fine with yesterday evening, so I can do it, just not all the time!

Leave your phone somewhere else. It's easy to use it as a comfort blanket but being on a phone in company is rude and being on it will make it harder for you to look like you're interested in them.

To my mind, there are shy people and ignorant people. Shy people are generally quiet in company, maybe don't volunteer conversation but who are able to at least engage in a conversation by looking engaged and interested.

Ignorant people will sit with company on their phone, ignoring them and not participating.

It may help to remember that people love talking about themselves, so asking them questions is a fabulous way to engage with people and you don't need to maintain a 'conversation' as such, just keep asking them questions that lead on from their answers.