Group Hike, Yikes

[Wolvescry]

So my coach from one of my MMA classes invited me on a group hike. I went to highschool with him and we met again in class. So I somewhat know him, and have a bit more trust in him then the average person. Normally people would find an invite like this exciting, and fun. I do to some extent. My social skills have been getting better, and I am able to socialize more with ease and less fear. But these social interactions happen in class during my normal routines. I do not know how I would handle a new social setting. I am excited and terrified.

This is a good thing, but it has send me to mood swings of excitement, fear, hope, and mistrust. This is really frustrating me because I wish I could be normal and just go on a hike, like its an everyday thing to do. But no, I have anxiety.

The invite was to several people not just me, and his gf will be there to, so I feel much more safe going, but I can't help but worry. I want to trust people again. But as a person with PTSD I have much to worry about. I am not comfortable sharing my state with people, but wish there was a way to get people to better understand me.

IDK if anyone can relate or understand where I am coming from or may have some tips on how to handle these kind of scenerios.

 

[Sorrento]

One thing is, you probably won't be the only one there with some nervousness or hesitation about joining a group for the day.Fake it if you have to for starters, smile and say hello to people. The others won't know what you're thinking or feeling. Wear a 'mask' for a day, then go home and re-charge. It doesn't mean being fake, it's the sociable you that gets out sometimes.

They're probably all nice considerate people if they like hiking and they enjoy nature as well as sharing with others.So I don't think they will be judgemental or clicky. Enjoy the nature and exercise, everything about them is good for you.

Do you mean by not trusting people (in this context) that your coach might 'drop' you afterwards (socially), or the other people might give you the cold shoulder if you run into them again afterwards? That's what I feel sometimes.

Sometimes I had to remind myself to not say too much because when I got home I would go over everything in my head and go 'aargh how embarrassing how could I say that!' and never want to go out again. A good strategy is to show interest in others.
See you.

 

[Wolvescry]

All that sounds like good ideas.

I do not worry much (but I do a bit) about being dropped, its just my past attackers were friends and lover, and I do not look at people the same since. Everyone including the people I love, I see as a potential danger. I have been working on it, but it is so hard. I think I am going to show more interest in them, and my dogs I will bring.

 

[Loner]

Hikes are a great way to socialize because, like movies, you have an excuse not to talk to people or pay attention to them. You can just enjoy the scenery and not seem too interested in socializing and I bet people won't think you're weird for doing so. Just walk a few steps apart from people. People will probably make some attempt to talk to you, so be polite, but I bet they'll be fine if you dont seem too interested in talking.

Unlike movies though, hikes do give you the opportunity to socialize some if you want to. Topics of conversation are easy too, oh what a great day we're having etc.