- Messages
- 105,084
- Reaction score
- 101,367
- Points
- 10,583
- Location
- Billingham
- First Name
- Karl
- Elgrand
- E50
- Region
- North East
It has come to my attention in recent weeks that we have quite a high number of members who don't attend meets due to social anxiety issues.
I would just like to say that, when I set up EOC, social anxiety wasn't a BIG thing for me, although it is something I think I've always struggled with. I used to be able to go to random car meets and enjoy them, but the last non EOC meet I went to, I lasted 15 mins before rushing off in a sweaty panic.
I am not sure what has brought on my social anxiety issues, but it is a major factor in my life and there are a lot of situations I will come up with excuses to avoid if possible.
I would also like to say, however, that I have never, not once, had any social anxieties when it comes to an EOC meet. I don't know whether that's because I run the club, and therefore most people know who I am before I get there, or just the fact that everyone I've met from this club has been fantastic.
I say that "because I own the club, everyone knows me"... they know of me... they don't know me. So a lot of the times people talk to me and don't realise who I am.
So, for all those of you who have put off meets or events because of these anxieties, try and face your fear, because in all my time being in the "car scene" I have never met a more engaging, welcoming, friendly bunch of people as I have through this club.
If you don't feel you can dive straight in to a big show like Jap Show / JAE where, along with 10-20 (or more) Elgrand owners being in attendance, you have thousands of other people to face as well... then try a local meet. There are a few springing up now all over the place and they are a great way to break the cycle of fear that controls you. Local meets, often attended by up to 10 members (occasionally more) are a small, informal catch up between people who speak on the forum/facebook/however on a regular basis.
I will also use this post as an opening to anyone here who is struggling with such anxieties to drop me a PM and we'll have a chat about it. Sometimes confiding in a complete stranger on the internet is easier than opening up to your nearest and dearest. That choice is yours, I'm just letting you know the offer is there.
If we can start increasing show/event/meet numbers by helping our members with psychological barriers, then we've done more than just provide a technical resource to keep your cars going.
I would also like to draw attention to two people (who will not be named) who attended JAE last year that BOTH suffer with Social Anxiety issues. That was their first meet, and it was a big one. 48 Elgrand owners and thousands of other car owners all together in one place. Both of those people thanked everyone who attended for helping them to feel welcome and involved in activities and conversations. Suffice to say, they will both be back again this year.
We can help - and if you need it, don't be afraid to ask for it.
I would just like to say that, when I set up EOC, social anxiety wasn't a BIG thing for me, although it is something I think I've always struggled with. I used to be able to go to random car meets and enjoy them, but the last non EOC meet I went to, I lasted 15 mins before rushing off in a sweaty panic.
I am not sure what has brought on my social anxiety issues, but it is a major factor in my life and there are a lot of situations I will come up with excuses to avoid if possible.
I would also like to say, however, that I have never, not once, had any social anxieties when it comes to an EOC meet. I don't know whether that's because I run the club, and therefore most people know who I am before I get there, or just the fact that everyone I've met from this club has been fantastic.
I say that "because I own the club, everyone knows me"... they know of me... they don't know me. So a lot of the times people talk to me and don't realise who I am.
So, for all those of you who have put off meets or events because of these anxieties, try and face your fear, because in all my time being in the "car scene" I have never met a more engaging, welcoming, friendly bunch of people as I have through this club.
If you don't feel you can dive straight in to a big show like Jap Show / JAE where, along with 10-20 (or more) Elgrand owners being in attendance, you have thousands of other people to face as well... then try a local meet. There are a few springing up now all over the place and they are a great way to break the cycle of fear that controls you. Local meets, often attended by up to 10 members (occasionally more) are a small, informal catch up between people who speak on the forum/facebook/however on a regular basis.
I will also use this post as an opening to anyone here who is struggling with such anxieties to drop me a PM and we'll have a chat about it. Sometimes confiding in a complete stranger on the internet is easier than opening up to your nearest and dearest. That choice is yours, I'm just letting you know the offer is there.
If we can start increasing show/event/meet numbers by helping our members with psychological barriers, then we've done more than just provide a technical resource to keep your cars going.
I would also like to draw attention to two people (who will not be named) who attended JAE last year that BOTH suffer with Social Anxiety issues. That was their first meet, and it was a big one. 48 Elgrand owners and thousands of other car owners all together in one place. Both of those people thanked everyone who attended for helping them to feel welcome and involved in activities and conversations. Suffice to say, they will both be back again this year.
We can help - and if you need it, don't be afraid to ask for it.