Question: how can I warn/prepare people to be around me?
I’m going to meet some new people (new coworkers) and I’m really anxious.
I know from experience that I don’t make good first (or second) impression.
I could tell them that I’m shy but I’m worried that my body language will tell them otherwise as I often come across as somewhat aggressive and rude.
I could tell them I’m not a people’s person but it’s not exactly true as I’m quite friendly inside but aloof outside.
I could tell them that that I’m not good with people. Or that I’m not comfortable with the new people. Or I’m not good at talking to people.
Or maybe something else but I don’t know what.
Something not too off putting but something that would explain why I won’t be exactly warm and chatty and all smiling-friendly.
Even if I like someone.
That my preferred kind of interaction is some kind of parallel interaction. Without really talking and interacting but working alongside (but I prefer to work alone) but it doesn’t mean I don’t like someone or that I’m angry.
And that I’ll keep to myself but at the same time I’m really happy to be included.
That I’m walking contradiction.
I could tell them nothing but from experience I know that it will make me an outsider within a week.
So not much to lose.
I’ve tried to google some ideas but I failed to find a good answer (maybe it’s not the problem with the lack of answers but with not asking the right questions)
It’s recurring problem because either I alienate myself or wait few weeks and get ostracised by the others.
