I am an introvert by nature and so is Ruby. And although not all introverts are Socially Awkward, we are card-carrying members of the socially awkward ‘I don’t do small talk and would rather be at home’ club.

Ruby and I are usually on the same page with our social anxiety, but not always. Sometimes when Ruby is feeling like she can greet other dogs with a wag, I am in a ‘cross the street because I can’t handle small talk' mood. Likewise, when I am feeling normal and maybe even chatty (once or twice a year), Ruby gets all jumpy and reactive. When one is up, the other is down. We are like a confidence seesaw gone wrong.