Shy!

[andy18]

Alright, here's a question. What can i do to rid myself of my shyness? Whenever i find myself in a new crowd (whether friends are present or not), i just shut the hell up and later regret my lack of social interaction. So... any tips on meeting new people without making an ass of myself?

 

[Mr.G]

Why

would you think you'll make an ass of yourself?

Sounds like your prob is confidence not shyness.

Take a course in public speaking or join a debating club.

Quit thinking you're a dork. You may be but in case you haven't noticed some of the dorkiest dudes end up with stunners.

 

[Tighter]

Picture everyone naked..

Or you could take it one step at a time and just ease your way into one conversation (to start), then gradually build up to another. I know how you feel cause in a way I'm still a bit shy when it comes to things too. You just have to learn to put the walls down (but I think the key is one at a time and not to try and rush into it).

And I agree with Mr. G, it definitely sounds like you need to build up the confidence. You gotta love yourself before you can spread the love around!

 

[MikaKhan]

I've fought shyness for years before just recently finding out I've got a personality disorder that accounts for it, but yeah...

Usually I would walk through the different discussions, find one that interests me most, and wait for a place to put in my own opinion. It becomes much easier to talk when it's about something you really enjoy or are knowledgeable about.

Sorry if this sounds like common sense with socialization...

 

[big_little_me]

Go with tighter's idea of seeing people naked, if nothing else it will be good for the imagination or raise an interesting subject matter?

But to be serious I was the same not long ago at all, but just push your self a little, then when you start getting into great conversations you'll have such a buzz that you'll soon get into a swing with it where you feel confident and can actually start relishing meeting new fun and interesting men and women.

 

[photoxtreme]

Lack of confidence or being shy is usually just not knowing what to say. Most people love to talk about themselves so I find the best way to prepare for a social gathering is to come up with a few things I would like to find out while there. Then come up with several questions that will allow people to feel at ease talking to you. Think them up before hand so they aren't the corny cliches that most people use. Pretty soon you'll be the life of the party because people will appreciate your effort to find out about them. This in turn will allow them to ask the same things about you and then, before you know it, you'll be involved in a great conversation.

 

[glynndah]

If you really can't think of anything to say, be sure to smile and make eye contact. Odds are someone will notice and bring you into the conversation.

 

[Red_Firefly]

I know how you feel with the whole shy things. It is something I've dealt with for awhile. The best advice I can give is to imagine that everyone feels the same way you do. In some ways, you are bound to be correct. A lot of people feel shy, because around new people, everyone can feel lacking self-confidence. A lot of the times, it is up to us to go up to someone and start a conversation. If we keep waiting for them to do so, often times it won't happen and we miss out on meeting someone who could become a good friend.

I know it is easier said then done, but try to be yourself. Another thing I like to do is pretend I'm acting. I'm really into Theatre, so it helps me to imagine that I am acting on stage. For some reason, it helps me to be more outgoing and talkative.

Hope that helps!