Dear Socially Anxious Wrestling Mom: We See You.
Dear socially anxious wrestling mom: we see you.
You show up to the tournament and immediately your eyes begin searching for the highest corner of the gym. You take off toward the top as quickly as you can, giving us a shy smile as you climb past.
You strategically place your belongings around you to make it look like you’re expecting several more people to sit with you. Just a small amount of space is all you need. But if someone asks, “Is anybody sitting here?” you’ll give the spot to them without hesitation, even though your anxiety rises instantly.
You make camp as close to the ceiling as possible and brace yourself as the crowd and the noise suck all the energy from your body like a giant, space invading mosquito. If things get too crazy you head for the nearest bathroom stall and lock yourself in just to recharge.
Some people think you believe you’re better than the rest of us, and that’s why you won’t sit with us. Some people think you’re rude, standoffish, or boring because you always decline our invitations to get pizza after a long day.
But that’s not true about you at all.
The truth is, being around other people is hard for you. But you still show up. For a woman like you, that takes more strength than most people know. You love your kid THAT MUCH. You deserve to stand on the podium in the champion spot and receive the mom of the year medal because you pushed yourself 12 and a half miles passed your comfort zone.
We can see where your children get their strength from, because it took everything in you to show up. But you did show up.
So It’s ok if you sit up there in the clouds. It’s ok if you don’t want to go out after or sit and chat about the latest who knows what. You’re not here for us, you’re here for your kid. After you’ve recharged and you’re up for a coffee and a conversation in a calmer atmosphere, give us a call.
But until then, just do what you can, and keep showing up.
We see you. And your wrestler sees you, too.