Does anyone else feel awkward around certain people?

[bigo1984]

I have always been an introvert and a shy person. I'm getting much better however. My job that I have now I meet new people every day and I have conversations with them and most of the time it goes smoothly with not much anxiety. However around certain people in certain situations I am really anxious. I have a female neighbor who lives next door who happens to have a dog. Whenever I get home and she is outside I immediately start to feel anxious. I wouldn't mind saying hi to her kindly as I walk into my house, that is not the problem. Her dog is always outside with her and it immediately always runs up to me in my yard and starts barking. I've tried petting the dog several times but it then retreats. It just makes for a awkward situation. I think what makes it worse is my neighbor never really says anything to me. She just yells at her dog to get back over to her.

I know none of this probably seems like a big deal to most, but it really bothers me. All I can do is kind of laugh nervously and walk into my house. I shouldn't have to deal with that ever time she is outside. I don't know if it is her spirit or what. I don't think she is a Christian. Does anyone have any insight into these situations or advice. Also prayer would be good.

 

[Neogaia777]

Have you tried to share your faith with her, your testimony and proclamations about Jesus Christ, I have pocket sized gospel testaments of the book of John I hand out to people and it gives me a chance to share my faith with them, do you have anything you can give out, I get pocket-sized testaments for free through pocket testament league, they have other free resources too that you can have delivered to your door, for free, or is it too uncomfortable and you feel like you just don't know what to say to her?

Yes, I am very familiar with the feeling of being uncomfortable or anxious around certain people.

Be praying for you, God Bless!

 

[Gunny]

No, I don't feel awkward around any people.

 

[joshuanazar]

I sometimes feel awkward around people but we have to move past those feelings, and we can only truly do that with the Spirit's help. Maybe get a few dog treats and keep them in your car, then ask her if you can give her dog one next time it happens. It could be a great icebreaker. Ask about her dog maybe invite her to a cook out that you are having (it is cookout time).

 

[manitouscott]

I totally get what you are saying. You are not the only one. One thing I have been shown is that some of my anxiety about people has to do with my opinion of myself. I know He is working on me. I still freak out mentally sometimes around others. So He didn't make me like most social people so what. My experience may help another. Just like you sharing yours helped me today. Thanks!

 

[Grafted In]

Same problem. All I can say is that attached garages are great!

 

[JP1]

No, I don't feel awkward around any people.

Well, I've never known a Gunny that was shy or awkward! (I only made it to Corporal!). Being an introvert myself, I can say that I definitely feel awkward around people sometimes. I am really bad at small talk, so that is part of it.

 

[Messy]

I wouldn't mind saying hi to her kindly as I walk into my house, that is not the problem. Her dog is always outside with her and it immediately always runs up to me in my yard and starts barking. I've tried petting the dog several times but it then retreats. It just makes for a awkward situation. I think what makes it worse is my neighbor never really says anything to me. She just yells at her dog to get back over to her.

I know none of this probably seems like a big deal to most, but it really bothers me. All I can do is kind of laugh nervously and walk into my house.

But have you said Hi and she said nothing back or both of you say nothing, only the dog barks and she yells at him?
Maybe she feels embarrassed because she can't control the animal. I have kids that sometimes make a lot of noise and my neighbour said nothing for a long time when I met him in the hall and we had to get the same elevator, so I was standing with him in a small slow elevator, both saying nothing, lol now that was awkward. I thought he was irritated and hated me because I couldn't keep the kids quiet since the neighbour from upstairs rings my doorbell very hard when they make some noise and she complained. Then when I met him I just started to say Hi and the first time he said nothing, but now he does, he even talked and is very friendly.

 

[bigo1984]

I totally get what you are saying. You are not the only one. One thing I have been shown is that some of my anxiety about people has to do with my opinion of myself. I know He is working on me. I still freak out mentally sometimes around others. So He didn't make me like most social people so what. My experience may help another. Just like you sharing yours helped me today. Thanks!

I'm glad it helped you. Your post helped me as well. It's good to know other people have struggles similar to ours. I totally agree though. A lot of has to do with my low self esteem which I think God is working on with me.

 

[bigo1984]

Same problem. All I can say is that attached garages are great!

Yes they are. One of those would completely eliminate my problem.

 

[bigo1984]

But have you said Hi and she said nothing back or both of you say nothing, only the dog barks and she yells at him?
Maybe she feels embarrassed because she can't control the animal. I have kids that sometimes make a lot of noise and my neighbour said nothing for a long time when I met him in the hall and we had to get the same elevator, so I was standing with him in a small slow elevator, both saying nothing, lol now that was awkward. I thought he was irritated and hated me because I couldn't keep the kids quiet since the neighbour from upstairs rings my doorbell very hard when they make some noise and she complained. Then when I met him I just started to say Hi and the first time he said nothing, but now he does, he even talked and is very friendly.

I've talked to her only a few times. She's lived next door for a couple years now. But no she don't say anything to me. Every time her dog sees me it runs toward me in my own yard and barks. She tries to call it back. She's never said sorry about that or anything or even acknowledged me when it happens. I try to be friendly to the dog and pet it but it won't let me.

 

[Messy]

I've talked to her only a few times. She's lived next door for a couple years now. But no she don't say anything to me. Every time her dog sees me it runs toward me in my own yard and barks. She tries to call it back. She's never said sorry about that or anything or even acknowledged me when it happens. I try to be friendly to the dog and pet it but it won't let me.

Yeah that's weird. Maybe throw a dog cookie at him.

 

[bigo1984]

Yeah that's weird. Maybe throw a dog cookie at him.

LoL then probably my neighbor would think I'm even weirder for having a dog treat on hand just for that particular situation

 

[Messy]

LoL then probably my neighbor would think I'm even weirder for having a dog treat on hand just for that particular situation

Lol yes maybe. I wouldn't care what she thinks. She acts weird, not you.

 

[Celticflower]

LoL then probably my neighbor would think I'm even weirder for having a dog treat on hand just for that particular situation

Why? We had a UPS guy who carried dog treats is case he encountered a noisy pup on the route. Our beagle learned to love him and wanted to be outside when he came. As for the owner - just wave and say hi. (gotta start someplace)