If you do make one of those signs, make one for me, too. I'd do it myself, but that would mean I'd have to deal with the people at the art supply store and I'd just as soon not.

Eh, or you could just say you were in the "biking zone". There's no obligation to talk on the open road when there's nothing but a helmet between you and the road.

I've had to tell folk to back off sometimes, because I need the space. I'm trying to view my anxiety not as something to conquer, but work with, kwim? It actually makes it a little less stressful.

And this is reason #15673 why I love my job: We're all antisocial mofos. And therefore, the only acceptable topics of discussion are: 'good morning', 'do you need anything because I'm heading out', 'how many on the list' and 'see you tomorrow'.

"I'm not comfortable around other people, talk to me at your own risk."

Woo hoo! Pleased to meetcha/join the crowd.

We gotta hang together, ya know. Except of course when we're not comfortable hanging together.

Hey, we know you're one of us, you don't come to the meetings!

Oh, and, the human world being what it is, I'm pretty sure your coolness factor goes up when you blow off a coworker, although it does give them something to gossip about. Then again, what do I know about social matters?

Hey, we know you're one of us, you don't come to the meetings!

Riiiiight, you probably just don't tell me when the meetings are because I'm awkward and socially anxious.
;-)

I often wonder, because prolly about half the time, I really don't want to talk to anyone. Then, the other half, I really enjoy social time with people I like. Part of my growth in the last year or so has been to try abandon my judgmental nature, because I suspect it is responsible for this split. I don't like a lot of people, for various reasons, and I don't want to talk to anyone I don't like. Seems pretty simple. But...I suspect it makes me lonely in the long run. Today, most of the work can fuck right off, but there are about 3 people who I'd like to lay down with me on the futon, and just be there with me. They are my wife and two daughters, in case that sounds weird.

prolly?

≡ Click to see image ≡

Sure, prolly. It's a new-fangled short form for probably. Not to be confused with supposably, or some other UNintentional word.

My guess is that your coworker didn't think much of the encounter one way or another, except to note, probably pleasantly, that a friendly and brief hello was exchanged with a coworker on the way to the office. Anxiety has a way of making a relatively insignificant moment seem overwhelmingly large and complex.

plinth that is really funny.

I need that on a tshirt, plinth.

And I'd join the club, guys, but yeah, you know.

Awesome plinth!