When introducing somebody new into my Coping and Healing therapy groups, I ask the other people to remember how it felt when they were new to the group. I also ask, when introducing the check-in, how people would choose to introduce themselves.
Meeting new people can be anxiety-producing and introductions can help ease the anxiety.
Do you see introductions in my images for today?
I think telling a story is a good way to make an introduction. Also, here’s a way I could introduce myself, “Hello, my name is Ann Koplow, and my first car was a blue Gremlin with a denim interior.”
Here’s what I find when I search for “introductions” on YouTube.
I look forward to reading whatever people introduce in the comments, below.
Thanks to all who help me with these daily introductions, including YOU.
Hi Ann.
When introducing myself, I extend an open hand (handshake) and say Hi I am Stan. And at 54 I have introduced myself to numerous people and it never gets easier.
We all want acceptance. And when we introduce ourselves we expose ourselves to the possibility of not being accepted. And where others babble on when nervous, I am part of the group that immediately clams up after introductions.
I greatly appreciate how you introduce yourself here, Stan.
Before the internet I was very active on some local bulletin board systems. When I first joined them someone sent me a nice welcome message and, after I became a regular, every time I noticed a new person I’d welcome them. Because they were local we’d sometimes have get-togethers and people would come up to me and thank me for making them part of the group, which was a nice way of introducing ourselves.
Because of my introduction to you, Chris, I am not surprised by all that you shared in this comment.
I am a naturally shy person when around new people or in a ‘meet and greet’ or ‘cocktail party’ situation. I’ve gotten better about it, and now just try to get it over with my walking up to them and saying, ‘hi, I’m beth.” (and then I tend to find someone I’m connected two or one interesting person who I hang out with). my introvert side. if I know you, I can talk for hours, which may not be good for anyone. ps. I love your denim gremlin. when we get a new pet we intro ourselves over a period of time by earning their trust slowly and in many different ways. maybe people should do this with other people.
I love all the ways you introduce yourself and others, my friend.
Thanks –
Glad to meet you, I often say to folks new to my life, Ann. Then I hope that turns out to be true.
It was certainly true for us, Mark!
I agree 100 percent, Ann.
I just introduce myself to people by saying my name. I am an introvert and if I’m honest, I only introduce myself when it becomes awkward NOT to. LOL! I don’t like awkward gaps or silences, so if there’s a face to face encounter, I will jump in and introduce myself. I really don’t like it when people don’t introduce themselves, so I guess I take my cues from that. 🙂
I agree, introductions can make such a difference, I hate doing them, but once I do them in any group, I feel better!
You’re not alone!