Meeting people is like ordering pizza in a new restaurant

Sometimes there are olives...

I am always excited and a little bit nervous to join a brand-new group and meet people for the first time. As an extroverted introvert I am highly sensitive which means experiencing multiple people’s energy at the same time is hard on my system initially, until I find my place among them and gain a comfortable seat at the table.

Being part of a new team is kind of like ordering pizza from a new restaurant; starting out safe, I order ham and pineapple; ham and pineapple people are comforting, sweet with familiarity; a safe order which when satisfying creates hope for more of the same.

The next person may be a little spicy, outspoken, and bold like pepperoni; you know what you are getting and you either like it, or you don’t. I do.

Later as I get comfortable, I volunteer for a role or a project; I order the all dressed, the ultimate trust in the menu. I go all in, take a big bite and oh no! There are olives.

Ewwwww.

Why are there always olives where I do not expect them? They are bitter, chewy, and simply unpleasant to encounter.

What should I do? I cannot send it back; I should have read the whole description before committing to my choice. I could just pick them off. I could walk away from the table, except the rest of the pizza is delicious, enjoyable, and filling me up inside. I guess I simply swallow the little bits of unpleasantry, ensuring I do not chew on the encounter for longer than necessary, and try not to get them served on my plate, even if they are present at the table.

Besides I adore olive oil, proving they do have a purpose.

Well readers, does this analogy makes sense or simply makes you crave pizza…