Any advice for the socially challenged??

Question

I'm awkward in front of people......my mom's friends..people I look up to......new people....boys......does anyone have any advice on how to talk to people without worrying that people are judging you with every word you say? Is there a way to talk to people without revealing too much about myself or making myself vulnerable?

Answer 1

If you hear people talking about a tv show you also watched.. join the conversation.. if people are listening to you agreeing with you or even disagreeing with you it might make you feel better about yourself

Answer 2

For the longest time i was like this. Still sort of am but hardly noticable. Not sure what you mean by revealing too much you dont need to strip to talk to people?

I got over mine by working in an enviroment where i am around people lots. Many annoying people who would take advantage of your shyness. Eventually I learnt that if i was going to get ahead i would need to shed this shyness.

Experience i guess will teach you how. Also realising that people arnt perfect and there is no need to think that you are any lesser then them, regardless of what you think of yourself. Also there are people who are much much worse who dont harbor the same shyness

Answer 3

Get an education. Develop some worldly views. Take a deep breath!

You probably worry that what you're saying isn't sensible or just sounds stupid. If you know your facts, you'll be more confident about what you're saying and you can debate circles around them.

Practice. Put yourself in a potentially awkward situation and force yourself to say a few words. If you start stumbling over your thoughts, excuse yourself and slip away.

At worse, you'll be embarrassed and I haven't heard of a blush killing anyone.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Just act respectful, and watch your body language. Like, don't stand with your arms crossed over your chest, because it will look more like you have an attitude than that you are shy. Most adults like to be addressed either by Miss Jane or Mrs. Smith (their own name, of course), depending upon which part of the country you live in. That can't hurt your image with adults.

As for boys, that is a whole different ball game. What always worked for me was just being friends with them, which raised my confidence level, because I then knew how to interact comfortably with those creatures . But you are going to have to find what works for you, as long as you are portraying yourself as someone worth of respect. For example, dancing on a table wearing Daisy Dukes and a belly shirt will get you attention, but it will NOT be the kind of attention you want. Maybe play a sport or something that will bolster your self confidence.

Answer 5

The first thing to do is LISTEN. If the conversation is about something you know, then join in with a comment or even better, a question. People love to answer questions about something they know. As for new people, or boys, ASK about something that you learned in class. You'll be surprised how eager people will be to communicate with you. Don't forget that most people have trouble communicating with new people, especially those of the opposite sex.

Answer 6

There's no real trick to it, unfortunately. I used to be very shy and paranoid about what people thought of me, but after awhile I had to grow away from that. You have to convince yourself that their opinions don't matter, that only your opinion of yourself is important. Once you get yourself over that hurdle, you can just be yourself around them. If they accept you for who you are, they're exactly what friends should be. If they can't, it's not a bad reflection on you, it's just a difference of opinion.

Answer 7

Try to think about a few topics you would feel comfortable talking about, like music, fave teachers/subjects in school, tv shows, and envision yourself talking about them. And always breathe deeply!! This always helps me relax.

Answer 8

be confident also....im just letting you know that your not alone. i am very nervous and shy around some people too..mainly guys try building up ...practice at home alone ....and i never really thought about it being socially chanellenged lol...thats not a good word. it makes me feel like a loser(which i prob am, but anyway) lol

Answer 9

Talk to a mirror. They always respond, but I hate how they always talk over you....

Answer 10

Act silly--it'll get you violated plenty!