Dear Lola,
I have two children that I walk to and from school each day. When dropping off my daughters, the other mums stand around in small groups and chat with one another. I’ve also overheard them inviting each other to the coffee shop just around the corner. I have never been approached by any of the other mums and am feeling very left out. I usually return to my home where I spend my days waiting for my girls to get out of school. How can I get these mean mums to include me in their chats?
Sincerely,
Marooned by the Mean Mums
Dear Marooned by the Mean Mums,
I am perplexed by this entire letter, and one cannot blame the human to canine translation. I know this because even my Mommybeast is wearing a furrowed brow as she reads this letter aloud to me. We cannot seem to identify any mean moms in this group at all.
YOU may actually be the mean mom in this scenario.
Hear me out. The other moms are dropping off their kids, making small talk, generally in good spirits. No one is whispering behind your back and avoiding eye contact. These moms are inviting each other to grab a coffee and catch up on life – supporting one another through the parenting slog. You are staring at them, saying nothing at all.
You didn’t even mention waving hello to the group as you approach.
I’m going to give you some practical advice that has been working for my species over the past several thousand years. Approach the group slowly and say hello. Make sure your face looks non-menacing, a doggy grin usually does wonders for my friendships and I can’t imagine it hurting you. Once you’ve said hello you can even introduce yourself so that people have a name to call you. If you know someone’s name, you can invite them for coffee.
It’s really very simple to make a friend.
If none of that advice works, you could always try to sniff the other mom’s butts – my species has proven it is the fastest, most effective way to build a lasting friendship!
♥Lola♥
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What a ceaselessly smart canine you are, Lola. That’s exactly what those Mommybeasts do: they make the first move … say hello, smile and see what happens!
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Definitely approach them – what harm can it do?
#DreamTeam
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Indeed, it often is the way….#Dreamteam
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So very true if you want to join in just say hello always works for me thanks for hosting #dreamteam
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There will always be cliques and groups no matter where you go. Start by catching eye contact and saying hi, gradually get talking to them and go from there.
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Some great advice as usual from Lola. Smile and say hello! #DreamTeam
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Eek it can be scary for Mums to approach a group who already seem to know each other!
#DreamTeam
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It definitely can be, but a smile and a hello can go a long way!
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Well said Lola. Well said. 🙂 #DreamTeam
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Lola, I agree. I sometimes think the ones out on their own think they are too good for us, it’s a vicious circle! A smile and nod will do the trick! #dreamteam
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So much practical advice! Love it, but don’t think I will be sniffing anyone’s butt anytime soon! 🙂 #DreamTeam
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Lola, your wisdom continually amazes me. Such good advice. It reminds me of what my mom used to say “If you want a friend, be one.”
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That is an awesome saying, and so true!!!
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Awesome advice. Something that I feel I can apply myself. At least wave! #dreamteam
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Exactly! A wave, a smile, a nod of hello – anything to break the ice.
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There’s so much wisdom lying behind your clever approach to blogging #DreamTeam
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Thank you!
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Great advice. Lets all just be nice in the pick up line! #dreamteam
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Exactly! Nods, smiles, hellos for all!
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Hmmm I.supppse there aren’t cliques in the canine world. Look for a soul mate in the playground I say. Another mum alone.
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Great point! Surely someone else is standing off to the side.
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Oh Lola, you have an answer for everything! #DreamTeam
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She does, it boggles the mind!
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oh Lola as sweet as you are, I think your advice on sniffing other human butts may actually cause this dear lady to be arrested lol, it is a tough one isn’t it, but I agree a non menacing look and a wave may work! #DreamTeam
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Very good advice though some mums are right cow bags but then they are not worth making the effort for X #dreamteam
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… and if they don’t smile and say hello back, it’s not even worth it sniffing their butts!! #DreamTeam
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Very true 🤣
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Wise words of advice as always Lola #dreamteam
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Thank you! She’s demanding more treats for all her efforts!
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At say hi to them when you are dropping off your kids. I always say hello people and yes it does get me into trouble sometimes by I think it is a good policy. #DreamTeam
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Love the sniffing bums advice – good idea! #DreamTeam
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You know what Lola you are right – sometimes us humans can completely misjudge a situation and get it all wrong. You have to put yourself out there and at least give it a try. What’s the worst that could happen??? #DreamTeam
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What lovely advice, you are of course completely right. Giving a little wave, saying ‘hi’ and showing that you want to friends goes a long way. Not sure about the butts… LOL! Thanks for being a super #dreamteam host Heather xx
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The butts were a Hail Mary, hopefully never intended to be used by actual humans 🤣 Though Lola swears by the method! 🐾🐾🐾
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Sound advice Lola, I think we humans read to much into things sometimes. Who says they are mean moms perhaps they perhaps they perceive Marooned as the stuck up one. All it takes is a smile, a wave and the next day some small talk #dreamteam
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Lola is a very perceptive pup! #DreamTeam
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Wise as always Lola . Sometimes you’ve just got to make the first move and take it from there ! #DreamTeam
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I love Lola’s response, she’s so funny, although I really wouldn’t recommend the last little bit of advice! 😀 Wouldn’t it be great ot have the courage of a dog all the time? #dreamteam
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Dogs do have so much courage, even little Lola who is scared of her own shadow! 😆
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