I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I think my social skills have essentially been erased by the pandemic. My company went back to the office a couple of weeks ago and I feel like it’s my first day at a new school or something. How am I supposed to get anything done? Anyone else somehow come out of this thing even more awkward than they already were?

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I think there's going to be an adjustment period for most people when they return to an office setting. Don't beat yourself up and give yourself time to re-integrate. Try to get lunch and/or coffee with your coworkers to catch up before you jump into work mode.

likesmarthelpful

I should probably try something like this. It just feels like some kind of a culture shock seeing so many people every day after being alone for so long.

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I'll be honest, reading this made me feel WAY less alone. I really feel like I have developed some sort of social anxiety and it causes me to be SO awkward. I almost feel like I am becoming a recluse.

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You definitely aren't alone beyond me either. I mean, look at all the responses on here! Plus I've talked to a few friends about it and they are feeling relatively similar to us.

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Don't be too hard on yourself!! You're not alone. It's an adjustment to re-learn in-person social skills.

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It’s just crazy because I never even considered as something I’d have to re-learn I just kind of thought I’d go right back to where I was! Definitely not the case though.

Yes! We had a company outing back in January. I honestly try not to think about all of the awkwardness I pushed through.

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Get drunk with your colleagues ?

funny

You’ll get use to it , I’m sure no worries 😌 I’m a pro office as I believe that’s important to socialize with people, leave home , tbh I still have issues adjusting to hybrid model. Good luck 🍀

Thank you so much! Hoping with time I gain my confidence back.

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Big mood. I already had bad social anxiety. Now I'm petrified of interacting with people in person. Trying to stay remote as long as I can.

I feel like so many people who didn't necessarily have social anxiety before have at least some amount of it now (myself included).

You’re definitely not alone in feeling this way! I’m not back in a physical office yet, but I feel like I often just blabber on or act inexplicably awkward with coworkers, even over video chat.

Social cues over video calls can be SO hard to read!

I was already struggling with social skills pre-pandemic. I may have learned how to speak up for myself but I still can't seem to socialize. I am only fortunate to have maintained the same friendships since uni.

It's rough out there, that's for sure.

When I was in office after the pandemic, I would just go to my office and work, and go home. People thought I was isolating myself on purpose… which was true, because if they would start talking to me they wouldn’t stop lol, but also I am awkward now, when in the past I was usually pretty laid back and good with people.

Now I’m back at home 100% remote thank goodness!

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