How can I get over this feeling that asking follow-up questions is rude?
Can any of you guys relate?
I'm great socially when I know my role, like if I'm working customer service, or I'm speaking to a service provider. In fact, my social skills in those areas are where I feel I shine! In those settings, follow-up questions are second nature!
It's a stark contrast to how I am in group settings where I'm unsure of how I fit.
Asking questions at gatherings feels like I feel entitled to their time and energy or something. It feels rude and intrusive to me, even if it's a normal follow up to something they've said.
I genuinely love getting to know people and listening. I'd really love to feel comfortable asking more questions, so I can have better relationships.
I currently feel like this awkward person who only answers questions, like a child almost. Every question I can think to ask feels like I'm a literal child asking an adult man "so how's business?" But I'm a fully fledged adult now! I thought I was just young and would eventually become an equal part of the group and communicate like everyone else, but nope.
I've attempted to just override this feeling and as questions anyway, but some responses I've gotten have reinforced my weird beliefs that I shouldn't ask.
Can anyone point me in the right direction as to what this could be and how to get over it?
How can I feel like I'm allowed to ask questions ?