when i was 15, my manager told me ..meena smile today! now i am 26..i am afraid of meeting people..afraid that they will say i am sad..how do i get out of that fear
2007-01-23 00:40:39 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Meena,
I think you start by knowing it is OK to be afraid. Everyone has experienced social anxiety at some point in life.
Besides, you don't have to flash a big smile when you meet someone. You can show warmth with by being interested and curteous.
Sometimes it even helps to admit out loud when you're nervous. Have you ever seen that classic moment in a chick flick on the first date when one of them says to the other, "I'm sorry, I'm just so nervous . . .," and the other person smiles and says, "Me, too!" and they both laugh & look relieved? They connect over being genuine/vulnerable with each other in the moment.
Most people are kind & forgiving of social awkwardness, and if not then they aren't worth getting to know anyway.
Do what the psychologists say - Exposure Therapy!
You can start with systematic desensitization (expose yourself to the least threatening aspect of meeting new people, even it is just picturing it in your mind or talking about it, or situations with guaranteed acceptance, & work your way up) or just dive right in with flooding (do exactly what you're afraid of, realize you survived it, & become cured). This works!
Hang in there,
JoLee
2007-01-23 00:49:54 · answer #1 · answered by alma_jolie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Systematic desensitization and in vivo exposure. Sorry, I'm studying for my psychology licensing boards.
In other words, gradually and frequently expose yourself to the possiblility of unknown reactions when you appear as less than happy to new people. The best would be to go to a place where you meet a whole bunch of new people, like a business convention, preferably one not in your field where people have name tags. Go with a friend, and experiment with different emotions when meeting others. You have to do this for at least 45 minutes each time, not less.
During this time, do an extreme test like you are bawling your eyes out and still saying "bu-bu nice to meet you waaah".
2007-01-23 08:49:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We become what we think about!!!! Your fear is an unnatural fear!! Fear is FUTURE EVENTS APPEARING REAL>fear
2007-01-23 08:59:49 · answer #3 · answered by dca2003311@yahoo.com 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try to replace negitave thoughts with postive thoughts,,, look in the mirror' practice talking to yourself,, control you expressions.. and your feelings... if you can stand before 50 people to give a speech,, i know you get tense,, weel don't,,, and here is why,,, because no one there has heard you speak, and you are the only person in that room who knows what you are going to say,,,, no one else,, you will find that you will start geeting so much confidence ,,
good luck
god bless you
2007-01-23 08:49:34 · answer #4 · answered by RED WHITE AND BLUE 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just face up to ur fears and t ry talking to ppl.....i used to have the same fear but just make a few friends and hang out with them...dont be afraid of wat other people think.
2007-01-23 08:49:25 · answer #5 · answered by §hãðôw™ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
by understanding the hollowness of fear or being afraid
2007-01-23 10:01:04 · answer #6 · answered by hari prasad 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your fear is being with people. be with them as often as you can until you overcome that fear. you can do it gradually. try it.
it works
2007-01-23 08:47:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just watch a super funny film !!!
U'll forget all !
2007-01-23 08:45:41 · answer #8 · answered by crystal_heart100 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋