I thought I was the only one who felt awkward and uncomfortable. I ate lunch at the table with some people but then I got up and got a drink and stood a little ways away. I was kind of doing what you do in high school when you’re at a party and you always hold a beer in your hand because it makes you comfortable.
A few people walked up and talked to me and it dawned on me that other people were having the same problem as me. And in fact my supervisor who can be a jerk walked up to talk and then he just went to a bench about 50 away by himself to get away. And one of the office workers in my company walked up to me too. He always surprises me because I always have thought he’s a nice guy (and I still do) but I think he’s a little shy and possibly a little lonely and awkward and I can relate to that.
And I noticed other co-workers were getting up and distancing themselves from everybody else. I’m not usually a “misery loves company” kind of guy but nevertheless, this time I was a little glad that I wasn’t the only one feeling awkward and out of place.
But the food was good and the only person who kind of wrecked it for me was my supervisor. She’s only 23 and I try to get along with her but she acts like a punk when I try to be friendly to her and I figure she’s just immature. Oh well, I put in my 5 hours, three days a week and then I go home and I don’t have to think about her or see her.
Anyways, I made it through that and we probably won’t have another barbecue for another three months. I hate going but once it’s over I’m always glad I went and I even told my boss that and I think he understood. I have nothing against any of my co-workers I just feel uncomfortable at parties.