Recipe for frozen S'mores and a puppy play time video of adult Newfie Crokell and Mini American Shepherd puppy Dante. Also, in the most confrontational post ever we ask: beans or no-beans in chili?
As far as getting to know co-workers, that first staff meeting always shows me who is worth getting to know and who isn't. Then I wait for the social functions and talk with people about things outside work. Mostly I listen and smile. That helps them feel comfortable talking with me.
(Tod) I like chili both ways. And make it with varying amounts of types of beans. Hmm. I eat AIP Paleo, so no-bean chili could be considered a medical necessity for me! yay!
I'm beans-agnostic, but if pushed, I do think I prefer them. Gives it a little more body, you know?
For groups, I lean on a few of things I learned while campaigning. This is more about "getting to know each other" in a social situation, like a party or an event; but most groups eventually have something like this, so it's good to know...
First, be as forward and friendly as you can. This can definitely take practice as an introvert; but you can learn to put on a "stage version" of you that's more outgoing. If you are able to be silly with kids, pets, or some other situation, identify that and try to bring up that feeling.
Second, there are better opportunities to introduce yourself into groups. Socially, adding a third person to a pair is much less awkward than adding another person to a group of 3+ people. So look for pairs of people to join and make a triple. Or, if you're with someone, look for a stray single to invite to join you (though that's harder, and you may have to wait for a bit until another group spins off someone...)
Third, if there are no pairs, it's possible to MAKE a pair if you have a companion. :) Spouses work very well for this, and many couples do this without being conscious of it. Say you see a group of four people talking - two men, two women (two couples). If a man and a woman approach them, you can often (but not always!) split into two groups of three (three men, three women) if you introduce both of yourselves at the same time (man approaches men, woman approaches women).
Hehe. I like having the beans as well. Tod calls it "bean soup" when I make my version of chili and teases me about being a Yankee, but what I can say. I like it with more "body". I am totally stealing your term for that.
As for the meeting new people, that is a good point. I struggle with going up and talking with people I don't know well unless I have a topic. Usually science or dogs, sometime fiction but even fiction can be iffy.
Loved the video of the pups! 🧡
As far as getting to know co-workers, that first staff meeting always shows me who is worth getting to know and who isn't. Then I wait for the social functions and talk with people about things outside work. Mostly I listen and smile. That helps them feel comfortable talking with me.
Anna has a shirt that shows how to make small talk. 20% talk about the weather. 20% smile and nod. 60% plan your escape.
When I was a teacher, it was 5% weather, 25% smile and nodding. 70% plan escape route and means to avoid future entanglements with that person. 😁
Chatting one on one at an event/function.
I like both either with or without beans; to me it depends on the type of chili I’m making, some of my recipes call for beans and others don’t.
(Tod) I like chili both ways. And make it with varying amounts of types of beans. Hmm. I eat AIP Paleo, so no-bean chili could be considered a medical necessity for me! yay!
I'm beans-agnostic, but if pushed, I do think I prefer them. Gives it a little more body, you know?
For groups, I lean on a few of things I learned while campaigning. This is more about "getting to know each other" in a social situation, like a party or an event; but most groups eventually have something like this, so it's good to know...
First, be as forward and friendly as you can. This can definitely take practice as an introvert; but you can learn to put on a "stage version" of you that's more outgoing. If you are able to be silly with kids, pets, or some other situation, identify that and try to bring up that feeling.
Second, there are better opportunities to introduce yourself into groups. Socially, adding a third person to a pair is much less awkward than adding another person to a group of 3+ people. So look for pairs of people to join and make a triple. Or, if you're with someone, look for a stray single to invite to join you (though that's harder, and you may have to wait for a bit until another group spins off someone...)
Third, if there are no pairs, it's possible to MAKE a pair if you have a companion. :) Spouses work very well for this, and many couples do this without being conscious of it. Say you see a group of four people talking - two men, two women (two couples). If a man and a woman approach them, you can often (but not always!) split into two groups of three (three men, three women) if you introduce both of yourselves at the same time (man approaches men, woman approaches women).
Hehe. I like having the beans as well. Tod calls it "bean soup" when I make my version of chili and teases me about being a Yankee, but what I can say. I like it with more "body". I am totally stealing your term for that.
As for the meeting new people, that is a good point. I struggle with going up and talking with people I don't know well unless I have a topic. Usually science or dogs, sometime fiction but even fiction can be iffy.
Anna and my dad hit it off wonderfully. They chattered on and on for hours about science and dogs. I think they were good topics for both of them.
No beans. Lower carb and tastier.
As for joining...observation... over time. Never rush.
(Tod here.) Yes. Meat, sauce, and spices!
I just start talking to people. It helps to focus on only one or two at a time. I know I'm going to be worried regardless, so I just jump in.
Hmm. You mean never rush to "join" or just be careful about how quickly you share items?
Don't rush to share...
That's me