How did you overcome shyness to become more sociable?

Question

Were you or have you ever known anyone who was shy? If so what did you/they do to overcome it and become a more sociable person?

Answer 1

I was shy once, long time ago. One need to overcome shyness and only the individual can help himself/herself. It's a mental thing - decide that you want to do it and let it be done. Some tips to be more sociable:
1.Become genuinely interested in other people.
2.Smile :-)
3.Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.
4.Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
5.Talk in terms of the other person’s interests.
6.Make the other person feel important – and do it sincerely.

Answer 2

I was painfully shy when I was a child and I'm still quite shy today. I found that talking to people who were serving me at the supermarket or in shops helped me become more social. Even asking them how their day has been or holding a simple conversation. Like I said I'm still rather shy but I'm no where near as shy as I used to be.

Answer 3

Watch the news and read newspapers. Get involved with community events. You need to know what is going on around you. That way you can contribute to conversations and be interesting. Walk into a room with a gentle smile on your face and a slight twinkle in your eye. Be a good listener and give subtle, honest compliments. I used to be very shy until I realized that we are all equal and unique individuals we all have basic functions that we follow in life. Yes, you can imagine the room is full of people in their skivies it really does help. I took speech classes and it helped me alot.

Answer 4

Yup- spent my childhood in terror of what other people were thinking or saying. I can't really explain what happened but I do remember the day that I had the thought: You're soon starting your 'career' and you'll have to be with people. Assume they love you (be loveable) and if they don't, that's their problem." It made a huge difference. One of my friends tells about herself: She could play the piano and was asked to do so at a gathering. She was mortified and said, "Everyone will be looking at me." The older lady replied, "What's so special about you that they'll all look at you?" For me (and my friend, too), the moral was that a lot of feelings of awkwardness and shyness are based on thinking about ME too much. Just forget yourself (but don't go to extremes). It works.

Answer 5

I'm pretty shy around people I don't know and it used to affect my socializing. I made a decision to face it though and forced myself to go out more. Just the experience lessened my anxiety about it. I'd still call myself shy but I'm not afraid to get out there and face it. A beer or two can help as well ;o)

Answer 6

When I was young, I was EXTREMELY shy. I finally decided, within the bounds of the law, to stand up for myself and not let people intimidate me / walk all over me. It's not fool-proof, but its worked for me. As for socialization, I'm as sociable as I can be...long story, short page. Happy Holidays!

Answer 7

Start with prayer. Mark 11;23. Practice talking in front of a mirror.
I Cr 13;8a
12-5-6

Answer 8

You just have to go out and talk to people. You can't be scared. Just try and talk to people, maybe let them know who you are, where your from. If not go to places that you think would be cool to hang out and talk to people there. It is always better to find friends with the same interestes as you. And if people laugh at you or give you a hard time just shrug it off and be yourself. JUST BE YOURSELF. hope this helps a little