These conversations are lovely and comforting. Yay! 🎉so glad I found this channel.

It makes total sense that adjusting to a more professional environment would present challenges I think that’s the case for everyone and would imagine that having a service dog would add a new layer to that. Hope you’re able to connect with fellow awkward humans you’re so right they’re definitely everywhere.

I get it. I have severe PTSD, so much so that I relocated to another state where I didn’t know anyone other than a real estate agent that I had met one time, now my landlord, & now the org that I’m getting my PSD through. I had planned on *actively avoiding* meeting anyone/making friends (of any gender), but already failed 3 weeks in. I made a trail friend only bc I keep getting lost & they offered to show me a new area. I suppose 1 person in 3 weeks isn’t bad. I know that when I get my dog things will get super awkward so I’m trying to *not* meet people. I’m not sure how that’s going to work for the long term. *shrugs* I’m not looking forward to the invasive & personal questions re: my dog, but since I don’t need to be professional, I have absolutely no problem shutting them down. I’ve already designed my *snarky* cards & just need to print them. I’ve heard this is a good way for those that aren’t comfortable interacting with nosy people.

I had a Q and sorry If you said and I missed it: What's your grad program? Like what major are you? I'm in a geography masters program, and I still have trouble talking to new people. I'm sorry you've had issues with people not understanding. First couple weeks/months of grad school is a bit awkward as you try to recognize peoples faces and remember names you heard once. If there is like a food mixer, or a movie hangout that the students organize I've found those are nice places to at least break the ice a bit more (even if I leave first).

Hang in there. The graduate program, RA office, could educate people in the program as well. It is awkward. Remember that the other people in your program need to be professional as well. I'm surprised they are asking such inappropriate questions but it happens. It sounds like you're handling it well. Remember, it is okay to change topics and ask about them. It may help take the focus off of Bailey and you.