Mommy Crush

I'm offically an awkward 14 year old again. *sigh*

Have you ever been out and struck up a conversation with a random stranger, only to realize that this random stranger is super cool, and nice and you feel like you should be friends? How about when you are at the park and your kid is obviously having a blast with another child, and time is flying because you are talking away and having fun with the mother?


What do you do? It's like asking someone out on a date, and the notion of that takes me back to those horribly awkward years as a teenager and the whole "Does he/she like me as much as I like them?" complex. I mean, I am a grown woman, I am raising a child! Surely I can approach someone and say "Hey, we should get our kids together some time.", but no, the idea of that scares the crap out of me.

I do not want to look like a crazy person, or seem desperate. I realize I should get over this irrational fear, and put myself out there. Obviously I am not going to be going around inviting every mom over to my house for a playdate, or give my email/cell out to every cool person I talk to, but if there is a genuine comfort and ease with someone, or if your kids get along, why not?

For example: I work part time at a childerens boutique. I help people pick out their strollers, educate them on car seats and cloth diapers etc. I do a lot of talking and getting to know people on a personal level. There have been a few times where a Mother will come in with a child Marley's age and we will start chatting, sharing stories and pictures. I may play around with their kid if they are there, and a few times I have thought to myself "We could totally be friends in real life". We continue chatting and having fun, they get their purchases, I distract the kid with a game of peek-a-boo while Mom pays, and I smile and wave them off while inside I am going "KRYSTAL! Say something! Ask about a playdate.", but I still smile and wave, glued to my spot and unable to get the courage to say anything.

So. I am a chicken, but I am determined to get over this. my issue is not for a lack of self confidence, but rather the potential awkwardness of bringing a meeting up. How do I go about it? I have a feeling a smooth "come here often?" will not go over well (at least I would laugh). Is upfront and bold the best way to go with this situation? Weigh in, let me know what you think, help a mamma out.