You know when somebody is "working the crowd", and she kind of looks past you when talking to you, as if already scoping out the next person?

And there is that kind of fake smile, and she says "How nice to see you...." then her voice trails off, as though she can't think of anything else to say?

And then she just kind of says, "Well..." and you feel embarrassed and look for a way out, because you know she's not really engaging with you and probably doesn't even like you?

Well I'm the one that feels like that person when I'm in a "crowd" (in other words, more than about four people.)

I feel like I have this smile pasted on my face, and I can't think of what to say, I don't know where to put my hands and feet, and I just stand there smiling like an idiot while the other person waits for me to say something intelligent. Doesn't happen. My brain just stalls. I hate it.

B2U, I used to let that bother me also.... but if that person can't give me the time of day to wait for my brain to catch up then maybe that person isn't worth talking too.... You, my friend, are a very intelligent person and it isn't your fault that you have this ugly thing of MS!

I can't wait for the time when I can be one of those people in your croud and we can sit and chat! It will happen some day I just know it!

And it doesn't help if you were never one to be social to begin with - half the time I can't hear them because they are either mumbling or there is too much else going on - so I just stand there with a stupid smile and nod a lot because I have absolutely no idea what is being said -

And then there is the person who speaks to you because they believe it's their social obligation to do so - but they are wondering - what's the matter with her - is it catching - OMG - what to do - I better get away as fast as possible - I used to go to school functions - thank the good Lord that's all in the past - no one would sit anywhere near me - it was like I was contagious because of with a cane -

I really would rather stay away from social functions -

I was never a social person. I was the kid who was picked on in school, and no one wanted to sit next to. So, I tend to not go to many social functions now.

When I do, I dont really talk to people.

Aw, B2, just smile and tell her that her shoes are on the wrong feet, or that her zipper is down, or she has a major run in her hose. While she's checking it out, you'll have time to recover your thoughts!

Sometimes it just seems like one or two people are the belles of every ball and us commoners have to step aside. I doubt it was at all on you.

Blessings - I know just how you feel! I keep telling myself that it doesn't seem that way to them, that I am just feeling paranoid - I'm not so sure but it makes me feel better!

Then - you finally do think of something to say and these words come out....not the words you really planned to say but random, totally unrelated words!! My DD and I were out shopping earlier and it just kept happening! It actually got to be pretty hilarious!!!!

I guess ya just have to make the best of those weird situations!!!

Hang in there!!!!

I know exactly what you mean!

and it's Double Jeopardy in my case, because although most everyone where I live is bilingual, or even TRI-lingual (Spanish, English, and Kriol) when they get in groups, they address each other in the tongue most comfortable...

and I can only get about one word in five with Spanish, and one in TEN for Kriol.

so, yeah, I nod a lot, and smile, and try to look interested, and intelligent, but I haven't the gol-darnedest IDEA what they're saying... ESPECIALLY if they talk fast, or mumble, or use contractions, or slang.

I used to get it really bad... Total cog fog! I'd start talking and forget what I was going to say, forget what the topic of conversation was, lose track of what people were saying to me... Slow to catch on, that sort of thing.

Now it only happens when I've overdone it and I'm too tired. When that happens I just fine a quiet way to excuse myself and sleep in the car! Or whatever is handy at the moment.

Hi B2Y~ Well, I could tell you that I was bashful and shy, but I know you wouldn't buy it... My problem is that sometimes I feel like I'm tongue twisted. The words come out, but they sound foreign. Then, I really feel stupid.

Sometimes my thoughts and mouth are just not on the same wavelength.

I totally understand.....

Oh, the Glazed Donut look. That's how I feel often.

B2U - I'm sorry you felt that way. It is an awful feeling and most of us can relate to what you felt.

If it makes you feel any better, MS makes my brain create random statements for me. Not even on topic. LOL. Some of the statements I don't even remember making! Those closest to me know this and thank God we have a great sense of humor about it. However, I mostly do this in crowds or when there is too much stimuli around me.