Just rang a local organisation that is running a personal development group for gay men. The group is due to start on Thursday night and I have a meeting with one of the facilitators a few hours before it starts. Last time I didn't even have the nerve to phone up and talk to the guys running the group so I feel good just having done that much too. I've just moved into my own house. This would give me a great reason to get out of the house and maybe meet a few new people.
Sounds like an awesome opportunity! Go!!! And then report back so that others here can hear about how great it was!
That sounds like a great idea. Even if you have to kick your ass yourself to go there, I'm sure you'll be happy afterwards. Come on :eusa_clap you can do it
*looks at his calendar and sees it's thursday* Best of luck! you can do it! And we're demanding a report now anyway
Well, a small update hopefully ahead of a bigger one, just on my way over for the preliminary meeting. Once I'm in the building I don't think I'll flee. Lots of anxiety though.
Right, bit embarassing, but the group starts next week, I had been sure it was tonight. I still feel good having gone for the quick meeting though. I was able to overcome the anxiety and make it there while thinking the group started tonight. The big update will have to wait a week.
I can now make the update I wanted to last week. I went to the group and it was great. Just being there was out of my comfort zone but I tried my best to play a full part and think I did okay. Next week is when we start talking about issues so that will be a real challenge too.
Congratulations (*hug*) I'm sure you're going to be more and more comfortable with this to the point you won't even remember why you were scared at first. Take care (*hug*) Cécile
Thanks everyone who posted since my last post. The posts really do help. Last week went well enough. There was a 'speed dating' thing which involved moving round the room talking to different people in quick succession. Not in my comfort zone, and I feel my chat was probably boring, but I got through it. There was also some scenarios we went through just to check attitudes. That was fine. Tomorrow we will talk about relationships which I have been a non-starter at. Not looking forward to that at all. That coupled with a persistent low mood over the last week means it will probably be quite a challenging end to the week.
>>>Not in my comfort zone, and I feel my chat was probably boring, but I got through it. Here's the key to that one. Don't worry about how you're coming across. Focus completely and solely on them, and only gleaning as much info about them as possible. That always makes a good impression. Good luck this week! Lex
I haven't updated this thread in a while so thought it might be time to come back for some thoughts of others. With the exception of one week I have attended every meeting of the group, and I like the fact that I have done that, but I'm not sure if I am getting what I need from it. Its stopped being enough just being there. I kinda feel my issues might be better dealt with in one to one therapy. I still feel lots of anxiety in new and social occasions except if there is drink involved and even then it doesn't always help. At the same time I don't want to throw this chance away. I'd like to see the course out. What is my next step if i do drop out? I dunno.