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scribefindegil · 6 months

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Hello! Like many others I discovered your Hubris Aura Quilt via its viral post. I just had a dig through your entire tag on the matter and had two questions:

about the clamshell technique. While I've grasped how the shapes are assembled from triangles and how the clamshells are assembled together, I struggle to grasp how you go from your triangles-based octogons to the clamshells. the edge is so round! Are they basted, sown? how do you avoid the folds that come from a round edge? i'd love to see a single unassembled clamshell from underneath to see what they look like!

do you know of a good site to learn about the appliqué technique? the seemingly invisible stitches in how you assembled the clamshells is fascinating!

And finally, best of luck for this wonderful project and thank you for sharing it with us!

Thanks for the message! I'm glad you like the Hubris Quilting!

To make the clamshells, first I remove the triangles and basting stitches from the octagon and press all my seams flat. Here's a rosette before & after this step:

Then I tack a paper clamshell template to the rosette for stability and thread-baste around the rounded edge. Ironing the clamshell helps set the edge so it stays nicely curved as I appliqué it into place

The clamshell appliqué technique is similar to the one in this tutorial, although I do all my basting with thread instead of glue, and I use clips to keep the row of clamshells in place as I sew it:

The appliqué itself is done with slip stitch; for each stitch you insert the needle into the fold of the clamshell for the length of the stitch, and then you pick up just a couple threads from the backing fabric to anchor it. I don't know how clear it is from this photo, but here's an example:

Keeping the stitches very small helps to maintain the curve (I also like to use my favorite bone folder to make sure the fabric is tight and smooth around the paper template in between stitches), and done well the stitch is nearly invisible from the right side!

I hope this answers your question! Have a great day!

#hubris quilting #conversations #applique

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outofbodyinjury · 3 months

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catholic trads found my baby quilt

#this baby quilt is woke and gay and chinese actually. and it will always be woke and gay and chinese #and it was infused with many long conversations about real athlete men having gay sex. as in lynn + I had an rpf symposium while I made it #AND NOTHING WILL CHANGE THAT!#j personal

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rillabrooke · 1 year

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macbeth, act i, scene 5 // much ado about nothing, act iv, scene 1

#web weaving #quote quilt #macbeth #much ado about nothing #shakespeare #pretty words #thinking thoughts......thoughts were thunk #had a conversation with a housemate about the correct delivery of 'kill claudio'#and how the impact of 'eat his heart' hinges in the delivery of 'kill claudio'#and how i can't stand when the audience laughs after 'kill claudio'#so naturally this comparison came up #because no one ever laughs as lady macbeth

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normanbased · 1 year

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Just a reminder to people who still choose not to include or actively reject Tony Perkins as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community

#I didn’t know he had a quilt panel #and these quilts always upset/impassion the hell out of me #his name is included in two other panels but the database photo isn’t HD enough for it to show up #he belongs and will always belong w/ the LGBTQIA+ community #idgaf about anyone who says his conversion therapy makes him a ‘traitor’ which I’ve literally seen people say

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dragonofthedepths · 1 year

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whats ur opinion on people taking inspiration from your snippets? Bc between ur human group chat au (where delkira and poro still manage to be menaces) and the Delkira in the Basement Au im having ideas and brainrot but wouldnt be comfortable posting anything unless ur on board

Sorry for the couple day late reply, I’m only just now awakening from my Christmas Crafting Coma to return to the land of the living.

Thank you so much for asking!!!

I absolutely love it when people take inspiration from my stuff, there is no feeling better in the world than knowing I’ve given someone brainrot <3 <3 <3

It was pointed out to me at some point that due to my inability to stay focused on any my ideas I’m basically a multi-fandom prompt blog, and that is A+ by me.

So yes! Feel free to take my snippets and run with them as far as you please, I would absolutely love to see what you create!!!

#wisecrownvoid #ask #conversation chain #I am functionally a prompt blog #and the two cakes rule applies #<3 <3 <3 #I drop off the earth for a couple months to quilt and forget my entire tagging system #Mairimahita! Iruma-kun #fix tags later

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koravelliumavast · 1 year

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My outfit today because it’s absolutely a mess

We start with the pants: they’re grey sweatpants with a colleges logo on them. Not my college i go to no no no this is a RIVAL schools but they’re soft and warm and despite what my parents think I’m not giving them back.

Next my shirt: now I’m actually just wearing my pajamas because I didn’t get out of bed early enough because I was comfortable. But it’s a very soft pink shirt and you can tell it’s pjs so over it I have a black boring sweatshirt on. Nothing cool here.

And my coat and stocking cap because there’s snow.

Now my shoes. I don’t have boots except for docs and those are kinda uncomfortable. And it’s wet and slushy so I don’t want to wear tennis shoes and get my socks all wet. But what do I have? Platform converse. These bad boys are pink. But not the baby pale pink of my shirt no these are more of a dusty rose. They do not match a single thing I’m wearing. But they have good support (BECAUSE THEYRE PLATFORMS) anyways I thought that oh since it has the weird bottom things (because it’s those like run star hike ones with like the funky zigzag bottoms) that it would be better for traction. ABSOLUTELY NOT. There is zero traction on these. I’ve almost fallen four times now and twice was with my warm coffee and that would’ve been very sad.

#also the converse were like 115 dollars and I got them for prom and then decided I didn’t want those #and got a pair of blue quilt-like ones and wore the other converse for a band concert

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sassysnowperson · 2 years

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On this post @booksnchocolate asked:

Also if you don't mind me asking, do you have any favourite resources for starting quilting? Seeing this has me super curious to try sth new!

I'll share what I've got! I am *extremely amateur* when it comes to all this, but the good news is - that's still the quilt in progress I've got! Even me, with my lack of experience, my inability to be neat, and my completely inappropriate fabric choices managed that! Quilting - while capable of being dazzlingly complicated - is more beginner friendly than I'd ever imagined.

The quilt is a specific style of quilting called English Paper Piecing. Basically, the idea is - what if, instead of cutting a bunch of fabric really precisely, you wrapped it around a really precisely cut sheet of cardstock and THEN sewed it. You know it's gonna fit together, because the paper fits together, and also holds the fabric all nice and neat while you sew. The paper gets pulled out once the piece is in place.

The entire reason I started is @nonasuch posted enthusiastically about it on their blog. I think this is the post that got me started - I recommend going to their blog and searching "quilt" and "English Paper Piecing" - some lovely stuff happening over there.

I used the tutorial that nonasuch mentions, and then did some additional googling for bits I was confused by. Many helpful youtube videos exist.

If you have a neat hand, you can cut up the cardstock yourself into the shapes you want. I do not, and bought some - it's less than ten bucks for a hundred depending on where you buy it.

I like this method because it's very modular. I can take some time and make the hexagons and diamonds by wrapping the cloth around the paper, I can take my little bag of cloth-covered hexagons and diamonds and sew a couple of them on. I also don't have a ton of space, so it's nice to be able to just work on a little bit at a time - I don't need a whole free table to mark it out on.

Hope that's helpful, and let me know if you have any questions! I'm happy to take pics of the back of the quilt/the hexagons and diamonds if more visuals would be nice :D

#quilting #english paper piecing #business casual quilt #also I just find it very satisfying to drop 'I'm making a quilt' into conversation #it makes for a good answer to the terrible 'tell me something about you!' icebreaker questions

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wickedhawtwexler · 27 days

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do you ever get so bored that you would rather gnaw off a finger than endure one more second of the boredom

#wellbutrin has been helping my adhd a lot but i still can't stay on task for more than like. two hours #with short breaks and everything of course.#i'm making it work! i'm applying to jobs and studying for interviews and quilting and playing instruments etc. in short intervals #but like. i'm gonna really struggle when i'm employed again lmao #my doctor prescribed me ir adderall to take on top of the wellbutrin so we'll see if i can get a hold of that this weekend lmao #i have low expectations but i miss being on adderall so much. i miss being in control of my brain 😭#wellbutrin is so great tho. i didn't realize it before but i really did need to be on an antidepressant #and it's been helping a lot with the hard-to-cope-with adhd stuff. the memory issues & keeping up with conversations & brain fog etc.#m.txt

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quilt-giving · 9 months

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I initiate our conversation with warmth, offering insights into quilting out of my genuine passion for the craft, and I genuinely wish you a wonderful day.

#quilt #quilting #handquilting #star trek #made with love

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starsandstripesla · 1 year

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Cold in this morning 🇺🇸 #usa #america #woolrich #jacket #quilted #converse #levis #501 #ct70 #chucktaylor #torrance #southbay #losangeles #california #boutique #sanpedro #redondobeach #hermosabeach https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn2ONH-pLh5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#usa #america #woolrich #jacket #quilted #converse #levis #501 #ct70 #chucktaylor #torrance #southbay #losangeles #california #boutique #sanpedro #redondobeach #hermosabeach

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scribefindegil · 9 months

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Hiii I've been following the wonderful hubris blogging and it's sooo cool to see your progress and honestly inspiring. I know you're doing EPP but is there a more specific name for the 8 triangle rosette method? Because i can't find any tutorials (or properly sized pattern piece) for 8 triangles. Only 6. Keep up the amazing work!

Yeah, EPP tends to be very hexagon-focused so most of the triangle templates etc you find will be equilateral! There's not a name for my method bc I don't know if anyone else has done it! It's a little. deranged. BUT there is info for EPP diamonds used for making 8-pointed stars, and my triangles are basically one of those cut in half. If you can find info on 45-degree diamonds, they'll fit together the same as the triangles.

Once the rosettes are sewn, they're basted to simple clamshells, which are another thing you should be able to find info on. Most people just cut out clamshells or circles instead of doing multiple rounds of paper piecing.

I'm gonna sew up a couple more rosettes bc I wanna see if I can use them to make fabric buttons, so I'll take pictures of my process and I can give you a lil tutorial on how to make EPP Mobtagons!

#conversations #hubris quilting

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odoraful · 2 months

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Moment's respite

the boys react to you being really sleepy around them 💤

characters: zayne, xavier, rafayel x gn reader content: established relationship, comfort a/n: this was from an anon who requested a sleepy m/c! i'm sorry it took a bit, but to the lovely anon i hope i did your idea justice! shoutout to all my constantly sleepy folks out there as well

𝒁𝑨𝒀𝑵𝑬

It was only midday when you and Zayne boarded the train from Snowcrest back to Linkon, but your head was already lolling to the side. The homey, wintery town had an atmosphere that was too relaxing. Especially during those late afternoons after you and Zayne had gone cafe hopping, you wanted nothing more than to bask in the sun and fall asleep.

As you settled into your seat by the window, Zayne pushed his and your luggage in the above storage compartment. Seeing his partner’s head bob towards the glass window, Zayne smiled to himself.

“I've never seen a person so sleepy before.” Zayne remarked, taking his place in the seat beside you.

“It’s not my fault,” you mumbled groggily, “it’s the town.”

You began to rub your eyes, attempting to bring some life back into them.

“I didn’t realise a town could have sedative properties.” He said, dryly.

“You don’t understand, it’s too cosy. I feel like all my defences are down.”

Zayne was entertained at the way you spun that into a complaint. A renowned hunter who finally takes a well-needed break feels too comforted by their holiday getaway.

He rested a hand on his chin in mock thought. “Should we have added combat training in the itinerary to have you be more alert, then?”

You laughed, knowing that if that had actually happened you would have hated it. The relaxation you experienced on this trip was a genuine good thing for the both of you. You continued to rub your eyes, trying to remove the build-up from when you last slept. Your movements were halted as Zayne gently held your wrists in place. You looked over at him, curiously.

“I may not be an ophthalmologist, but I know rubbing your eyes too hard can damage the lens.” He leaned closer to examine them. They were slightly red from all the pressure you had put on them.

“Forcing yourself awake won’t do you any favours.” He gently brushed a thumb over your eyelids. “You should sleep.”

He relaxed his shoulders, bumping them against yours in wordless invitation. You felt your protest fizzle away at the thought of resting on Zayne right this second. Some argument about how he would be bored without his number 1 conversation partner on the commute disappeared when you tilted your head and fell on his shoulder.

“Don’t forget to wake me up when we get there…” Your voice trailed off as you nuzzled in place, trying to find a good spot to sleep.

Zayne combed his fingers through your hair, tidying it up from your head wiggling. You were unresponsive to his touch. Your steady breathing signalled that you had already passed out. He stared fondly at your peaceful face. Inwardly, he admitted that the ride would be much less fun without your chatter, but he was more than content with just your presence alone.

Succumbing to temptation, he lightly poked your cheek. He mused to himself about how you were somewhat correct — your defences were down, but it was to his benefit. He could finally do things like this without your teasing.

𝑿𝑨𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑹

Xavier moved his hand, ready to turn over to the next page of the book. He looked at you, expectantly.

“Have you finished this page?”

You hummed affirmatively, and he eagerly flipped to the next chapter.

You and Xavier had begun the habit of reading in bed together in the evenings. The book of choice was Xavier's pick — an old-school mystery novel. Someone is found murdered in their private quarters on a train, and the detective must find the culprit before they strike again. The plot was thrilling, and you were enthralled from the beginning. However, between being weighted under plush quilts, propped up by fluffy pillows, and the body warmth of Xavier, you felt the words of the page slipping away from you.

“Xavier, could you read aloud for me?”

His eyes turned wide like a surprised bunny. “Why the sudden request? Is everything okay?” He immediately covered your forehead with his hand, checking your temperature.

Chuckling, you swatted his hand away. “I’m alright. I just want to hear your voice, please.” You looped your arm around him and Xavier softened.

He couldn’t argue against your wishes. He cleared his throat and read the words out loud. Though Xavier didn’t have the most performative voice, he still tried to be a good storyteller — acting out the dialogue for each different character and steadying his pacing. The gentleness of his voice enveloped you. It quickly sounded less like an intense crime novel, and more like a children’s storybook.

You closed your eyes, attempting to keep an attentive ear to what Xavier was saying.

“Are you still with me?” He asked, sensing how you had relaxed against his side.

“Yes, yes, I’m still listening.” Your eyes remained shut, words slightly slurring together. “Keep going. I think the case is-” A yawn you tried to stifle came out. “About to be cracked wide open.”

Xavier continued, taking note of your growing drowsiness. He read out loud this time in a more hushed voice, “‘The detective gathered everyone in the train’s shared compartment space. Pacing across the carpet, he had finally figured out the killer’s identity.’”

There was a slight thud against the headboard.

Turning to the source of the sound, Xavier found you fast asleep.

He shook his head, laughing quietly to himself. Even when the culprit is about to be revealed, you still decide to fall asleep.

To be honest, he was beginning to get sleepy himself, so perhaps it was perfect timing. The two of you were cutely similar in that regard. In fact, Xavier had done the exact same thing a few days ago. Chastising you about it would only backfire on himself.

He carefully removed your arm loosely looped around his own and quietly stood up to tuck you in. Laying you in a more comfortable position, he readjusted the blanket to cover your body, admiring how snuggled deeper into the sheets. He joined you in bed. The warm glow of the night light behind him on the bedside table faintly illuminated your serene expression.

“Sweet dreams,” he whispered, before placing a light kiss on your forehead and switching off the light.

𝑹𝑨𝑭𝑨𝒀𝑬𝑳

It was a hot day in Linkon, and Whitesand Beach was the perfect respite for the artist and his bodyguard. The sand gleamed silvery-white under the sun, with crystalline waves crashing against the shore. There were many others here who had also pitched beach canopies to provide a shield against the heat. You and Rafayel had tried your best to create a comfortable interior with your rented outdoor lounge chairs and mini portable fans. You were lying on one of the chairs, relishing in the fresh air (a definite contrast from the city) whilst you waited for Rafayel.

He soon returned holding up two drinks, both decorated with little umbrellas and even small skewers with fruit.

You took the glass from him in amused shock. “Raf, did you make a special request for more decorations?”

Rafayel took a sip of the drink before placing it down on the table. “Nope, the employee recognised me and wanted to add a bit more pizazz to the drinks.” He plopped in his seat and flashed a smile. “Don’t worry, I tipped them extra for their efforts.”

You sipped the cool drink and gazed out at the beach, mesmerised by the waves. It’s repetitive ebb and flow almost lulled you somehow.

The day hasn't even started! How can you even think about sleeping?! You scolded yourself. You patted both your cheeks to snap out of this tiredness.

You turned your attention to something else. A couple were playing volleyball nearby. You watched the ball be tossed back-and-forth, back-and-forth… Your eyelids began to fall on their accord.

Rafayel's voice pulled you from your drowsiness, and you realised he had been observing you this whole time. “Didn’t sleep well last night?” He cocked his head to the side in concern.

“I did, but-” You turned to your side to face him properly. “Being out here just makes me feel sleepy, that’s all.”

Too adorable. He thought to himself, seeing the small pout on your face as you rubbed your eyes.

“I can’t think of a better place to rest than next to the ocean. It’s nature’s own background noise.” He proclaimed.

Though that sounded enticing, you still hesitated. Wouldn’t it make you a bad partner if you slept for most of the time you two were outside? Sensing your reluctance, Rafayel continued.

“And how are you going to be a good bodyguard for me if you’re not well rested? Didn’t they teach you that in Bodyguard 101?”

“‘Bodyguard 101’?” You repeated in disbelief at Rafayel’s ability to dramatise. “I must have skipped that introductory course in university.”

“Well then, you can make up for the lost study with experience, starting right now.” His humorous tone waned, as he brought out his sketchpad. “Don’t worry about me, I was planning on doing some drawings anyway. I won’t leave your side.” The softness of his words reassured you.

The mixture of crashing waves and light chatter from other beach goers had you sleeping almost immediately.

Rafayel had intended to do some drawings of the scenery, but he fixed his artistic eye on you, now finding a much better source of inspiration to fill his pages.

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luveline · 3 months

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hi honey bun! i was just having a thought about someone coming home after a night out, a little drunk and sleepy, just crawling into bed with the reader? n maybe trying not to wake her w cuddling and such? 🥺 im so indecisive and couldn’t choose between peter or one/poly marauders, but please also feel free to disregard if it’s not the one for you! kisses xx

Sirius tries to tell them to be quiet, but James is so drunk he’s going to wake up amnesiac and Remus isn’t far behind him. Sirius has a kinder buzz, opening and then closing the door for his idiots begrudgingly. “Shush. You’ll wake her.”

“She should be awake I miss her so much I’m gonna throw up,” James says, all in one breath.

“That might be the Guinness,” Remus laughs. His cheeks have gone pink. Sirius thinks it’s the cutest Remus has ever looked, and he gives him an affectionate smile that’s returned tenfold.

“Be quiet,” Sirius says. A yawn comes suddenly. “Go sit down and have some toast or something.”

“I definitely will throw up then,” James groans, bending over in the middle of the hallway.

Remus, despite being similarly belligerent, starts doting on him. “You okay?” he asks, bending down with a similar sigh of pain. “Come on. I’ll make you a– a glass of water.”

Sirius has spent the night with them, so he loves them, but he misses you too much to stay. He chucks his shoes vaguely in the direction of the shelf and starts up stairs. The walls move under his hand and the bedroom door proves hard to open, but he sees you and forgets that he’s drunk. You’re laying on your side curled into a pillow, arm curled around, one leg sticking out of the quilt.

Sirius pulls the blanket back gently, remembers he’s wearing jeans, changes out of the jeans, and slides into bed in front of you. He slowly, slowly, pulls the pillow from your arms, wrapping his arm under yours and behind your back, the other just shy of your face. Beautiful girl, he thinks, a little woozy from having suddenly changed directions.

You mumble and hug him weakly, fingertips tickling his side.

“For fuck’s sake!” James says somewhere downstairs. “What is this?”

“Water, Jamie,” Remus says, quieter. “You can’t have anything else, don’t be–” A sound and a laugh. “No, kissing me won’t change my mind.” More laughing.

Sirius tugs your hand up to smile into your palm.

“Home?” you mumble.

“Mm,” he hums, eyes closed and heavy but his arm awake behind your back, pulling you closer to his front. “I told them to be quiet… didn’t listen.”

“You…” you’re still stuck in the throes of sleep, and forget you’re talking. Sirius laughs a huff and you blink. “Okay?”

“Yeah. Everything was okay. Next time I’ll stay home with you,” he promises, rubbing his nose into your cheek.

“I liked being alone for a bit, but… missed you in the end.”

Footsteps start up the stairs. “Sorry for waking you up,” Sirius says.

“S’okay. Make them be nice to me.”

That’s easy. As the door begins to open, Sirius pulls you right into his chest, as close as you can possibly be, and shushes you gently. Remus’ laughing swiftly ends, and James says, “Oh no, what’s wrong?” in his softest tone.

James climbs over the bed still in his shoes. Remus grabs him before they can touch the sheets and takes them off, and then James crawls up behind you and hugs you, Sirius’ arms included. “Hi… my angel.”

You ignore him with a disgruntled whine.

“Sorry we were so loud.”

You whine again.

“Do you want Remus instead?”

“No. I don’t not want Remus,” you clarify. “I’m not mad at you. Stay here.”

Remus falls rather drunkenly in behind Sirius, forcing everyone to move over. You look for him in the tangle of arms and blankets, everyone Sirius loves rammed into one bed and exhausted.

“Is anyone in the mood for a kiss?” James asks.

“Too tired,” you mumble.

“Too far away. Make it up to you in the morning,” Remus says into Sirius's shoulder. Sirius is having a hard time following the conversation, distracted by the smell of your perfume and all the skin pressed to his.

James sighs forlornly. “Fine.” A pause. “Sirius?”

He snores.

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thatbadadvice · 7 months

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Dear Advisor,

I tend to be a very reserved and shy person so making friends is super hard. Recently I’ve been wanting to socialize more , but I genuinely don’t know how. Is there any advice that you have that can make me look more approachable and not be scared to talk to people. I’m so stressed about being alone and not having any friends, but I just find it so hard to go up to people and make a conversation. I tried once but it became super awkward. I just really need good advice from someone on how to approach a person and continue a conversation.

Dear Awkward Anonymous,

It would be so easy to get into a whole deep let's-skeetshoot-therapy-on-the-internet session and try to help a total stranger unpack all of the GA-FUCKING-ZILLION ways in which social awkwardness shows up in a person's life. It seems easy, and it even seems meaningful and worthwhile, but to do so I would have to presume a bunch about your life, and make a bunch of assumptions about the ways in which my own experiences maybe/probably track with yours, and it would be a whole big wank-fest, and frankly ... it would be awkward. I'd be like you, standing there at the party, hoping that what I'm saying resonates or lands or even vaguely tracks with anything a stranger has ever known or experienced, presuming (probably rightly!) that it doesn't, and then flailing and blaming myself when I didn't emerge from the interaction with all the world's gold stars.

So here's what: stop talking to other people as a primary social occupation. Going up to people and just talking is fucking terrifying. The Bad Advisor says this as a Certified Extrovert™ who rarely shuts the fuck up.

Instead, find a thing to do with other people that involves some sort of task or goal or activity. Talk about the thing you're doing together, when you're doing it. If it feels okay, maybe introduce one or two of your own relatable-to-the-activity experiences in the process. See who picks up on it. Ask the people who pick up on it genuinely interested questions in response. This is what we awkward people call: engineering a conversation. It is the way, I am told, humans make connections with other humans. I have seen it work in my own life.

Depending on where you live and your ability level and skill set, I bet you have some options! You could seek out an open board game night, pub quiz session, knitting/quilting circle, or mutual aid meetup that's looking for volunteers. Especially look for social activities with strangers that involve a dedicated, pre-prescribed activity (such as a hiking or mall-walking group, stuffing envelopes for a political candidate or cause you care about, planting trees at your local park, or tasting tea/wine/beer/etc.). (Somebody is going to say join a ballroom dancing club or suchlike; I am personally terrified of this, but if you have a higher tolerance for strangers touching you and fewer than two left feet: it's literally an option. Line-dancing, on the other hand ... absofuckinglutely.)

Even if what's available in your area isn't your precise and specific interest, it might be worthwhile to check out something you are decidedly meh about -- you might not be the only meh person there. You can bond over shit that's boring or shitty with other people who find it boring or shitty! Some of my best friends, arguably my very best friends, came out of experiences we mutually loathed or found at least moderately and mutually miserable.

Consider especially finding an activity where you yourself are the manager of operations and/or have a designated task to take care of that is unique to your position! This doesn't have to be complicated or skill-dependent; can you become a voter registrar in your area? Well, bam! You've got paperwork people have to fill out and a good reason to jibber-jabber with folks who have to ask you the questions. Other ideas: join your local neighborhood association board, become a notary public, or see if your local pet rescue is looking for intake line volunteers. Do you have a trustworthy, especially outgoing friend who might agree to play "social glue" for you a couple of times at their activity-centric events? Make it explicit! Ask them if they'll play friendly wing-person for you at their D&D game, fantasy sports league, or some such.

Alternately: Do you have a unique and fun and shareable skillset you can share with others? Are you pretty good at drawing, programming? Simply a font of endless Merlin or NFL or Real Housewives knowledge? You might start a local Discord or other online social group to discuss and share your interests, then move it to the real world in a few weeks once folks get comfortable. You get the idea.

Most of all: Look for stuff that has more-than-just-talking opportunities available outside the designated group jam for you to maintain connections. Perhaps a group chat, a Discord, a Slack, what-have-you, where you can take more time to consider and draft your responses and posts? Connections with humans get made a thousand ways, and talking raw-dog with strangers is but one.

It takes a true social unicorn to be simply good at talking and only talking to other people. There are some of these one-horned wonders out there, to be sure — but let me assure you that the vast majority of folks want to be accepted and seen just as much as you do, and they're staring at the ceiling at night thinking just as much (more, probably) about all the weird, wonky shit they themselves threw at you than they are anything you ever said to them.

#good advice #good advice interlude #socializing #awkward #introvert problems #shy #shyness #get out there we're all fucking squares

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