How to Overcome Shyness
Do you become nervous when you are placed in the spotlight? Do strangers make you shudder? Following are some tips to assist you in overcoming shyness.
Steps
Build your self confidence. Often, being shy is a result of feeling inferior to or otherwise "less than" other people. A positive self-image is the key to overcoming shyness.
Set goals for yourself. Focus on small, daily goals, and gradually become more daring.
Make new friends. Introduce yourself to new people each day. Talk to someone you normally wouldn't. Try to find people with your own interest and find excuses to talk to them. Start a conversation with something like a simple compliment such as ,"Hey! I love that shirt!" or "Cool shoes." Most people are nice and will be welcoming to your advances. It is also great practice for more daring behavior, such as talking to popular, charismatic people.
Hold close bonds with your friends, as they can be there for you when you crack out of the shell! They'll be glad to help and might even be pleased at your progress.
Try doing stuff you never dreamed you would - like talking to that cute guy or girl in your science class.
Laugh often, but only at things you find genuinely amusing. It will help ease any tension you may be feeling.
Make a list of things that make you feel shy that you want to work on. Order them so that those things that cause you the least anxiety are first and those that cause you the most anxiety are last. Once you have a list of 10-15 stressful situations, start working through them, one-by-one. The first few "easier" situations will help build your confidence so that you can continue moving to more difficult situations on your list. Don't worry if you have to go backwards on the list sometimes -- take it at your own pace but make an effort to push yourself.
Lie on your bed and take 3 deep breaths. Then visualize a situation where you might be shy. Now in that situation make yourself confident. Do this for as many situations as you can think of. Do this daily, especially in the morning.
Repeat positive affirmations using I statements. "I am a wonderful person." "I am a good looking person." Do it even if you don't believe it. Do it daily.
Decide what exactly is bothering you, and why. Do you become shy in front of audiences, or when you meet new people? What about it makes you shy?
Practice standing tall, and speaking in a loud, clear voice. Standing tall gives the world the impression that you are a strong person and feel good about your abilities.
Find situations where you know you feel comfortable. Surround yourself with friends or others who bring out the best in you, and build up your confidence through them. Eventually, this will translate to other, more uncomfortable situations.
Be yourself. If you are constantly trying to hold your true personality in, it can be difficult to feel comfortable around other people.
Face the fear that is bothering you. Smiling is a good way to start, and shouldn't be too embarrassing. A small smile in the direction of a stranger may just brighten your day, and will brighten theirs, too! When you're prepared, you can try speaking to new people, using a light, friendly attitude. Be yourself!
Tips
Remember that shyness is an emotion, NOT a permanent personality trait! You have the power to change your feelings of shyness and act in a bolder manner.
There's nothing wrong with being shy, but there's nothing wrong with being outgoing either!
Shyness is sometimes seen as classy.
Don't be afraid to seek professional help -- group counseling, individual counseling, and therapy can help you along the way. Sometimes it's more than just shyness, and it's important to realize that. Social Anxiety Disorder is often seen as "extreme shyness", so make sure that you know what you have.
Many children grow out of their shyness.
Perhaps your shyness comes from stage fright? If you're having difficulties speaking in front of an audience, it is a good idea to choose a person in the audience that you feel comfortable around, and keep your eyes on them the entire time, as though your speech was directed at them. Eventually, you will be able to let your eyes roam around the room, connecting with each member of the audience.
If you think everyone is looking at you, say when you cross the road for example, or when walking through a public place, watch someone else do the same thing and really take note to see if other people are watching that person. You will be surprised to realise that we are not that noticed by others in the grand scheme of things!
Keep working at it. It may take you time to feel more comfortable, don't get discouraged.
Warnings
Sometimes, shyness can be a serious obstacle to overcome. Be prepared for quite some work.
Do not follow the old adage of envisioning the entire audience in their under-garments! This might make you laugh, which is not a good thing, especially if it's a serious speech!
Avoid turning to alcohol or drugs to overcome shyness. It will likely end badly.
If you were known for being shy amongst family members and friends, watch out for the harmless teasing. Some may be uncomfortable with you existing outside the category they've put you in, in their own minds. Ignore them. They mean well. But don't let them scare you back into your shell!...
2007-11-13 18:15:05
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answer #1
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answered by Smiley Heart 4
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I am a quiet, unassuming person and the only time shyness was ever a problem for me was in high school. Looking back, I wouldn't change anything if I could. Well, maybe.... I could have "smiled" more often. Start greeting ppl with a smile, and call them by their name as you greet them. Keep walkin' unless you pause to speak with them briefly. Always be coming and going. Makes you kinda mysterious.
2007-11-13 09:24:48
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answer #2
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answered by wildflower 7
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Wow... you sort of sound like me. People think that I am quiet. But when I'm with my friends and family I am outgoing. Lol.... and we have the same name.
Well I guess you can take somesort of chance. Not too big that it's not smart. But maybe do something different. I don't know. Sorry I couldn't help more!
2007-11-13 09:22:10
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answer #3
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answered by Nicole 2
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speak whats on your mind. and give your (kind!) true opinion.
if you see someone with pretty green eyes, say something liek "OMGG I LOVE YOUR EYES, THERE SOO PRETTY!"
i used to be like that too, but i decited to be more outgoing. ya know, start telling some intresting storyes about things that have happened to you. talk about things that are goin on in the world.
its eather that an outgoing personality comes naturaly, or you have to work at it (probably for a couple years).
2007-11-13 09:20:20
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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Well i think you should start talking to people and join a group or something like a click try it outs!!!
2007-11-13 09:21:54
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answer #5
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answered by ? 1
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im the same way. Just think of new people you meet as your close friends. Thats what i always do. Compliment people it starts good conversation.
2007-11-13 09:25:25
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answer #6
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answered by thisshhisbonanas 1
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40000 Cured Social Anxiety - http://SocialAnxiety.uzaev.com/?XzbX
2016-06-22 02:28:57
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answer #7
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answered by Carolina 3
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flirt make people want to talk to you
2007-11-13 09:20:26
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answer #8
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answered by alfonsobaseball 3
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