What techniques do you use to hide your shyness?

Question

How do you hide your shyness, what techniques do you use?

Answer 1

I act out a part.

For example when I go into a business meeting I act the part of a competent, confident business person.

When I am clubbing I act the part of the Diva!

I don't go over the top or anything. I am still me, and I don't do anything that I wouldn't normally do...like dance on tables but it helps me focus on the situation at hand and what I have to do rather than all of the "un-confident" messages in my head telling me to run screaming out of the room.

I was once told "Fake it til you make it" and it has helped a lot.

Answer 2

I try to use my "quiet" skills to my advantage.

I try to enter a conversation (or go places) with at least one friend at my side, if possible, so that I can feel more secure and not completely lost at sea.

I listen to what other people are saying (rather than forcing myself to make conversation) and then ask questions based on what they've said. You can follow the "bread crumb trail" of information very far, if you listen (and shy people are often good listeners).

I tell myself it's okay to be quiet and/or not try so hard to make something happen. If the other person is shy, they are having the same trouble, so we understand each other; and if the other person is not shy, I can use their extraversion to engage with them in conversation.

I also do not expect myself to enjoy large parties for long periods of time. (I might go, to support a friend, have a little fun, or just be social for a bit, but I do not force myself to stay for the whole thing, nor put myself down for needing to leave early. Sometimes I have gone with real dread, then end up staying for the whole thing and hate going home. You never know.)

I think a lot of the pressure and shyness comes from 'perceived demands' and self-criticism. I demand so much extraversion from myself that I can become very anxious and feel like I'm an inadequate person, because I'm quiet and responsive, not an initiator.

So I try to accept my limitations and find the strength of what I CAN do well, and let other people do what they can do well.

It's not easy to overcome, though. (When I was four, I used to hide behind the washing machine when strange people came to visit. And I'm still reluctant to talk or be in the spotlight in groups of people I do not know, but I've grown much better at it over the years.)

Good luck, be patient with yourself, and be kind to yourself.

Answer 3

I am very shy. I do not think hiding is the best way to hide it though - avoidance of situations - yes, lol. Um I try and really focus on things i like - friends of mine, work/school, hobbies, family. I always try to stay positive in all situations.

Oh one technique i started using earlier is saying hi to everyone i knew at school/work. Just Hi - nothing else unless they ask and then a conversation develops - tadaaa!

Another is that i got pets and they helped me too - it was like therapy i swear!

In life you are going to have some setbacks - but you have to go on no matter what and enjoy it too! Smile ok....everything will be fine!

Answer 4

try reading Party of One by Anneli Rufus. It will give you some ideas about accepting yourself...seeing yourself in a different light.

Answer 5

I keep watching others than watching myself.That is the secret

Answer 6

make friends who aren't shy and that have the quality that you wish u had. thats what i do

Answer 7

I stay @ home that way no one will find me out.