With terms “momfia”, cliquish, and other less than encouraging terms being used to describe mommy behaviors at school or playgroups, I was a bit apprehensive going to my first one. I was never the social butterfly, and I always wondered what those girls who everyone seemed to naturally gravitate to had that I didn’t. I guess the same high-school feelings can crop up on one from time to time, even years later.

Being a mom with no siblings planning to have babies anytime soon, and cousins 16 yrs. old and younger, friends who plan to have children much later, I decided to join a mommy group anyway. The main reason was to have other babies for Mina to interact with, but I also wanted someone to “talk shop” with; you know, all the concerns only moms seem to share.

I attended one and with two mommies in attendance that wasn’t too bad. Six weeks later (can you tell how resistant I am with the whole moms group thing) I attended another one. This one had many moms in attendance. I was already on high alert. Will the moms be friendly? Will anyone talk to me? Will they just sit and talk amongst themselves? I pictured a scene where the moms would fill empty seats with barricades of baby gear against anyone who weren’t part of their clique.

I’m glad to say it wasn’t that way. Some moms were more outgoing and approachable, others were shy, and some moms stuck to those who they were familiar with. All in all, not a bad playdate. I guess I just need to shed old insecurities, be the one to approach moms I think I have a lot in common with. With more than 30 members, there’s bound to be some who are close to others, and with the same numbers, bound to be moms I can be friends with. I think the first order of business would probably be to go to more meetings though, so I can actually get to know the ones with whom I have in common.