This may come as a shock to many people, given my boisterous nature, but as a young child I was terrified of strangers. I was “chronically shy” as my mom would call me. When the doorbell rang I would scurry behind a chair or my mom’s legs to watch from “safety,” when my family brought me to meet Santa Claus I screamed, cried, and kicked until I could run away and hide. I was scared of everyone, other kids, women, men- especially men with beards. This phase of my life lasted for years.
I even found talking to my own family troubling. Yet, I babbled to our family dog for hours on end. Everyone else found it endlessly strange that such a scared child never had any issue with animals. I would pick up wild squirrels, coo over enormous dogs, catch and release toads, etc. Where people were endlessly confusing, animals made sense. All that animals want is the affirmation that you care, and they’ll show you that they care right back.
(P.S. This is my childhood good boy, Strider)
My parents noticed my connection to animals from a very young age and decided that it may be the perfect way to help me get through my shyness. My mom began taking me to the dog park with her in early elementary school. She instituted the rule that I couldn’t play with or pet a dog until I found its owner and asked for permission. That way, I had to interact with people- and for those dogs I was very willing.
Quickly my absurdly large knowledge of dog breeds, facts, and behaviors drew adults towards me. They found my shockingly thoughtful responses to their questions to be quite adorable. I would spend half an hour talking about one person’s dog with them, a total stranger, which no one would have predicted I’d be able to do before then. As the months of dog park visits went on I was picking up on how to talk to people, how to connect, how to not be so scared. My mom even began taking me to pet stores and zoos, so that I could ask questions and get more practice talking to people.
Through all of this I learned that not all people are terrifying. A concept that has helped me leave behind my social anxieties and bond with people. I also still love animals so much that I aspire to become a veterinarian! I really believe that animals are the reason I’m now the outgoing gal you know and love. ;)
That's such a cool idea! I'm curious about the fact that you picked up wild squirrels. Did you feed them first or something, because squirrels are fast. Even the super tame ones on campus usually outrun people.
ReplyDeleteThis is so cute! I grew up with animals too, but pretty much just cats, so that's probably why I'm still terrified of strangers. The dog park rule was some smart thinking on your mom's part. Also I appreciate that you included pictures! Is that a hedgehog??? Adorable.
ReplyDeleteI have always been a HUGE fan of animals! The accident changed me in several ways, but I'm happy to say that my love of animals was not one of them. In fact, it even seemed to strengthen my love for "cute" things. And I can completely understand your ability to connect with your pets (furry friends and otherwise) even though you were shy around people. A pet won't sit there and judge you. Or if they do, they're very lowkey about it. Oh, and your pets are all adorable by the way!
ReplyDeleteThis post melted my heart (huge credit to the adorable photos). I had no clue you used to be so shy! After meeting for the first time during my freshman year, I couldn't help but think of what a confident, kind, outgoing person you are. I think it's so amazing that animals helped you get over the fear of starting conversations with strangers. Kudos to your mother for thinking of such a clever strategy.
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