The Importance of Being Friendly

Today I was reminded how important it is to put yourself out there when in a new and perhaps uncomfortable social situation.

One of the things that we've found Bennett really likes to do is climb at the McDonald's playplace. This is also a really good opportunity for him to stretch his social muscles.

What I overheard him say today while we were there . . . "What your name is?" and "My name BennettCharlesAllman. You play me?"

My heart swelled with pride and I was reminded that you just need to be nice to other people. A friend of mine recently emailed some life goals for the year and one of them was about being friendly in social situations - her job is heavily loaded in the social networking realm. A statement that she made really resonated and I want to remember it frequently - being shy and closed off just comes off as being snobby. (totally paraphrased, but that was the gist) Strangers don't know that you're shy, and as adults it's not the first inclination to assume that someone is shy. By the time we grow up, we should be comfortable talking with other grown people about nothing and everything.

So - My name's Blythe. What's yours? (step one)