You know, it's important to let your freak flag fly, even if you're a mother. I went out for lunch with a lovely bunch of ladies, but it reminded me of a few things.
1. My social anxiety is still strongly in effect.
2. Finding mom friends is good, finding mom friends who get you is great.
I really enjoyed my time, but it definitely made me feel like I shrank a little. When I'm around people I'm comfortable with, I feel just free and comfortable to stretch out within myself and like I'm understood. If I'm not, I feel exhausted, like I have to check every syllable for something that gives away just how odd I am.
What I realized is it just feels easier with either women I knew before I was a mother or nerdy moms. Not to say I hate moms, it's not that at all. Mothers (and fathers) need each other for survival. We are the only people who understand the physical, mental and emotional toll raising a child takes. And while that may be the only thing we have in common, it's a big thing. Nerdy moms get that while we need each other, sometimes we need each other to just sit quietly at the park together that happens to be a PokeStop while the kids play. Or as a bookstore buddy. Or as a coffee compatriot, also a PokeStop, but who's counting. I love talking about diapers, but also video games.
Meeting moms has always felt like dating to me (to be honest, I got two phone numbers today of new mom friends). And, for me, dating got easier once I was around more people who had similar interests. For me, sharing interests and core values is the only way I can function with truly intimate relationships. I think it helps me feel more comforted when speaking to someone, like they understand me to the very core of who I am. So here I am, recuperating after quite the social outing. Now will it happen again? Yes. Soon? I'm not entirely sure. I think the solution for us Nerdy Moms (TM) is to find mommy groups that align with our interests. For example, there's a program called Free Forest School I have enjoyed. Also, I noticed the Farmer's Market near a local comic book store also seems to have quite a few parents. Maybe I'll pick up some new Nerdy Mom (TM) friends there. Mommy friends are great, Nerdy Mommies (TM) are magic.
1. My social anxiety is still strongly in effect.
2. Finding mom friends is good, finding mom friends who get you is great.
I really enjoyed my time, but it definitely made me feel like I shrank a little. When I'm around people I'm comfortable with, I feel just free and comfortable to stretch out within myself and like I'm understood. If I'm not, I feel exhausted, like I have to check every syllable for something that gives away just how odd I am.
What I realized is it just feels easier with either women I knew before I was a mother or nerdy moms. Not to say I hate moms, it's not that at all. Mothers (and fathers) need each other for survival. We are the only people who understand the physical, mental and emotional toll raising a child takes. And while that may be the only thing we have in common, it's a big thing. Nerdy moms get that while we need each other, sometimes we need each other to just sit quietly at the park together that happens to be a PokeStop while the kids play. Or as a bookstore buddy. Or as a coffee compatriot, also a PokeStop, but who's counting. I love talking about diapers, but also video games.
Meeting moms has always felt like dating to me (to be honest, I got two phone numbers today of new mom friends). And, for me, dating got easier once I was around more people who had similar interests. For me, sharing interests and core values is the only way I can function with truly intimate relationships. I think it helps me feel more comforted when speaking to someone, like they understand me to the very core of who I am. So here I am, recuperating after quite the social outing. Now will it happen again? Yes. Soon? I'm not entirely sure. I think the solution for us Nerdy Moms (TM) is to find mommy groups that align with our interests. For example, there's a program called Free Forest School I have enjoyed. Also, I noticed the Farmer's Market near a local comic book store also seems to have quite a few parents. Maybe I'll pick up some new Nerdy Mom (TM) friends there. Mommy friends are great, Nerdy Mommies (TM) are magic.
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