What’s it like to feel out of place?

Like you don’t belong somewhere, or that you’re out of your element – anytime I’m somewhere new I feel a little like that, unless it’s in a very familiar context. Grocery shopping at a different store – not really a problem. Starting a new job? Awkward! And what causes me to socially implode, while others would charge right in and find a comfy spot for themselves?

Honestly, I don’t know. Maybe I’m being too hard on myself, or maybe I’m blowing my social reticence out of proportion; it’s there, but it’s not exactly crippling, or even slightly prohibitive. I’m not really afraid or anything, I’m just avoisive.

The whole idea of feeling out of place, that sense that’s driven by this idea that “I have no business being here” – I think that’s more about the heightened probability of being faced with insurmountable danger where the primal senses are concerned. The only problem with that is that in a world that’s been made (mostly) safe for exploring the unfamiliar, this basic defense mechanism might need some taming.

What do you think? Are there any suggestions for curtailing the timid beast in me?

This post was prompted by today’s Daily Post prompt.

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