Mums at the school gate

Same here.
Perhaps if I remembered to wear my trousers...?

I know exactly what you mean, mostly they are rude, I say hi to everyone I pass from my daughters nursery but sometimes you just get a rude look back, so I dont bother anymore.

Every parent has been through this including myself so don't let it bother you.Anyone worth their worth will come up to you when they see you by yourself and thats when you know that you have found a friend.
When my eldest daughter was at school there were several different cliques,none of which I was a member because I couldn't be bothered with the hypocrisy and back stabbing.I instead only spoke to a couple of really nice mothers and although we didn't become over friendly,they were a pleasure to talk to while dropping my daughter off and collecting her,and I still occasionally talk to them even though I am 500 miles away now!!
Even now,12 years on,with a four year old son at nursery,I don't talk to any of the mothers at the school,I just smile and walk on.My son still enjoys going the the nursery,gets invited to parties but I don't have to put up with the attitudes of the parents...
Give as good as you get,but in reality,do you want these people to be your friends?

Instead of trying to make eye contact, why not be a little less subtle and make a conscious effort to start a conversation? If you hide away like a wallflower, how are they meant to know you want to be friends? If you get the idea in your head that they are nasty shallow selfish people, it will be very hard to shake that image so if you wana to be friends with them, why not make a real effort and if they knock you back, then at least you have tried.

Not sure why the school gate is expected to be a social networking venue. Why not try and find some people you've got something in common with instead? What sociable leisure pursuits do you enjoy, can you join a local club or something? This is just a random selection of people doing a daily chore, it's like trying to make friends in Tesco's or something. Kids don't make a common bond, lots of people have them and you probably won't get on with lots of them.

Also, they may be evil Stepford wives but maybe not! If they are laughing and joking with friends they are comfortable with it can seem cliquey from the outside but they've had a while to become friends, I doubt they are intentionally cold, probably just not as effusive as you. It is a bit harsh to write them off because of the cars they drive!

If all else fails then at least you can get some laughs by offering them a joint or something.

I had exactly the same problem when we moved and had to change our daughter's school mid-year. The mums had a clique and didn't want to let anyone in, regardless of details. My daughter was friends with their kids, went to birthday parties at their houses, etc. but they didn't seem to warm up to me. My husband, on the other hand, seems to get along with all of them and said they all but swarmed him the first time he went. I hardly believed they were the same women! He is, however, a good looking, well dressed man (I am quite lucky) so maybe they were on the hunt for a man or something.

I think you just have to ignore it. Be as involved in your child's school life as you can and show your kids the best example of not rising to someone else's bait. If it really bothers you, though, maybe try joining the Parent/Teachers Association or something else that might help you get to know them outside the gate area.

Sounds like it is their loss.

Don't try and force friendship on those unwilling to accept it, especially if they have formed a clique as you have said. You may find yourself pushed further away.

Continue being yourself, do not change to fit in; but if you feel so uncomfortable around this group, try arriving earlier at the school and engage just one or two of them.

I am sure that you will get there soon, through your son and the friends that he makes.

Apologies if I sound patronising, just trying to help. I hope they are worth your bother.

Hi there. The people you are referring to are what I call 'plastic people' for they aren't real people. I wouldn't worry about them too much and I fully understand where you are coming from. My wife experienced what you are experiencing now but she rose above this and saw them for what they really are.

They've got too much money, very materialistic, away with the fairies and have their head so far up their own backside. As for socialising with these people, I'd rather shove wasps up my backside.