The Introduction

Hello, before I even begin to introduce this blog, I'd like to bring up a very valid point. There is nothing more awkward than first introductions.

Just the other day, I was on the set of a movie for an extra job. I didn't know a single soul, but it seemed that somehow everyone else had at least one person they knew. Ah yes, this unfortunate instance has happened to all of us at least once before. You've felt that jab in your stomach when you realize you're all alone, without a friend in sight. Be it at a new job, new school, extra curricular, whatever. It feels pretty lonely.

Oh the courage I had to muster up in order to introduce myself to someone. If you're anything like me, this process is quite difficult. I usually follow a particular protocol:

1) Scout out a potential friend: This person should be normal in appearance, not too cool, but not a total dork. You don't want it to look like you associate with weirdos, but at the same time, you don't want to risk humiliating yourself in front of the coolest kid in the crowd. Yes, avoid the scraggly little dweeb with the greasy bangs wearing the old camp t-shirt. But also be sure not to try to mingle with the person leaning against the wall, chewing gum with a stand-offish attitude. The person you're looking for is the guy or girl with a put together, groomed look, and friendly attitude. This person should also be somewhere in your age range. If you're a 17 year old boy, it's maybe not the best idea to try to strike up a convo with the 42 year old mom. Why? You probably won't have much in common, leading to even more awkwardness.

2) Getting over the jitters: This is where you give yourself a little pep-talk. You know that you're a nice kid...at least that's what your mother told you. You're just as good a person as anyone else in that room, and anyone would be happy to converse with ya! Take a deep breath, you can do it!

3) The Approach: It's a lot easier to talk to someone when they're along, rather than when they're in a big group. If your potential friend happens to stray from their posse, this is a perfect time to introduce yourself. Make sure you don't lurk like a creeper, anxiously awaiting your moment of opportunity. Try to relax, have a drink, do a little texting, whatever. The last thing you want is for them to notice you glaring creepily in the corner, awaiting their isolation. When you find a good moment, walk up confidently. Take a deep breath and just say it! "Hi, I'm Angie, how are you" (or something along the lines of that)

4) The Response: You hold your breath, hoping they will reciprocate with a similar greeting. You cringe internally at the thought of them perhaps giving you the "wtf...why is this weirdo talking to me look". There's not a thing more awkward.
5) To shake, or not to shake: Now, if you're a 15 year old girl, shaking hands may be a little weird. I mean, you're young, hand skaes aren't the "cool" thing for ya. Now on the other hand, if you're a 31 year old guy, a hand shake is very appropriate. Normally, I wait to see if they reach out for a handshake, and if they do, I whip out one of my best firm but not-too-firm gripped shakes.
6) The after intro talk: Now, of course you don't want to smile, creepily shift your eyes, do a 180 and walk away after you introduce yourself. Take a minute to think of a conversation starter. For instance, 'I'm new to this (school, job, w/e), this is my first (day, week, w/e) or something along the lines of that. This hopefully will lead to a conversation, and if you're lucky, they will introduce you to their friends.
Ah yes, nothing more awkward than approaching a complete stranger, hoping for a bit of camaraderie.