To eat or not to eat (was: Re: SC - rare foods at feasts-rant)

[BaronessaIlaria at aol.com]

In a message dated 09/22/2000 3:23:24 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
ArianneShadowWalker at worldnet.att.net writes:

> I will most likely keep out of the way and very small.  Usually, the people 
are close-
> knit, and most know each other. I end up feeling a bit lost if I go 
somewhere and 
> don't know anybody.  Being shy is a drawback..worse since I love people.  I 
dream 
> of meeting 'royalty' one of these days, but I would most likely make a fool 
of 
> myself.  I know it isn't true of all groups, but some seem to congregate 
together, 
> and an outsider is just that...looking in.  *shrugs*

Being shy is a curse for all of us who are similarly afflicted. Being new is 
something only time can cure and even those of us who have been in the 
Society a while now can get the willies in a new place. I moved to a new 
kingdom 5 years ago and its taken me a long time to get involved "properly" 
(my emphasis) simply because like you, I hate feeling like I am disturbing 
people. Sometimes, you just have to jump in there and disturb! Making a fool 
of yourself only hurts for a little while. God knows I've done it enough. ;)  

The best way to NOT be the only person at an event you know is to go to local 
activities. Sewing circle. Dance practice. Fighter practice - even just to 
watch. Heraldry or calligraphy nights if you are interested and want to learn 
more. Any of the smaller, less "formal" local activities on week nights will 
give you a chance to meet people in manageable sized groups. Get a few names 
and faces together and then when you do get to an event, you'll have someone 
you can talk to. Look up your local hospitaller too. These people are the 
ones who help new people with questions etc and are generally gregarious and 
helpful people. (Some groups use the term Chatelaine or Castellan instead...) 

You can do it. We have faith in  you. ;)

Ilaria