Being the shy one in a group of big personalities

sashafierce

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The Black Oil

How are you travelling, camping, hotels? I've done a few of the former with over the past couple of years. Generally, this has been with strangers - most of us did not know each other before hand. It is hard starting off and I'm generally seen as quiet. I've found on these holidays there's some people you don't really connect with. It's the same as when you're in a college class, for example. Then there are a few characters, most genuine, some more challenging...

Do you have anything in common with anyone? How about asking people with they like about the trip so far? What about something like card games? We played those some nights, not in any serious way for gambling - just for a laugh. That, or we'd sit around the campfire or go out on the town.

zoobizoo

Hey

I've been that soldier - depends where you're travelling I think and what type of travelling that you're doing.

As for getting along with big groups:

You'll find everywhere in life that there are some big personalities and people who have no problem just talking. You come to appreciate that some of those who talk, talk absolute nonsense and this is exacerbated by travel..... they can often be overheard "I was there".... "I'm going there" .... "I found the cheapest / longest / deepest / most authentic" Oh just shut up!!!! The other issue is that there are these "cool" people who look like they're professional travellers and you might feel like the pasty white IRish lad / girl who feels slightly out of place.

There are plenty of people travelling alone and are just like you and are looking for people to buddy up with for a couple of days before moving on.

Don't try to be heard amongst the larger group - divide and conquer. Basically try to eek out those you think you've got something in common with and spark up a chat with them.

It's so easy to do when travelling - where are you from, where did you arrive from, how was that, how long have you been travelling for, where are you heading to, .............. travellers love to talk.

You could try a bit of leading especially if you're in a base town - "hey, I'm off to X waterfall tomorrow, anyone interested in coming?"

I remember when I was in Barcelona I'd spend the days on my own before then returning to hostel to get ready for a night out... found out from some girls I was travelling with a week later that they thought I was soooo independent that they didn't want to cramp my style and tag along. I was shy and didn't want to impose myself so didn't ask them what they were doing during the day so pottered round the city on my own not having much fun and they had wanted to hang out with me... sometimes you just have to push yourself a bit out of that comfort zone.

Rubberchikken

don't try to change your personality it's what makes you unique. if everyone was loud and brash, what would happen then?

instead of trying to join in with them see if there are any people there by themselves who might welcome a fun chat where wveryone can be heard.

keep enjoying your travels. it's a brilliant thing to be able to do:)

LLMMML

Leave that group. You didn't go away with them, they don't seem that interested in you, so you don't owe them anything. Just head off on your own.