Where Social Awkwardness Meets Social Anxiety

(I’m an extremely awkward and quiet 14-year-old. Usually, I can handle communicating with adults and sometimes even small children but the one type of person I can never, ever, talk to are people my own age.)

Dad: “Come with me. I have to visit my colleague.”

Me: *reluctantly* “All right…”

(We get into the car. Now, I’m slightly confused because I’m dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, definitely not proper attire to meet another person’s family, but my dad says nothing about it.)

Dad: “Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention — my colleague has kids about your age. You should talk to them. Socialise.”

Me: *goes pale*

(We stop at a store and collect some parcels, which we carry back to the car. Apparently these are gifts for his colleague. During this time, I completely freak out in my brain and wonder what I’m supposed to do or say when I meet these kids of his/hers.)

Dad: *parks the car* “Okay. Thanks for your help.”

Me: “We… we’re home. Aren’t we supposed to meet your colleague?”

Dad: “I lied about that.”

Me: “Huh?”

Dad: “You should have seen your face.” *laughs*

(Turned out my dad just needed me for the parcels, and only mentioned the “colleague” and the “kids” to watch me squirm for the whole ride!)