How to Overcome Shyness

December 17, 2018 Teresa Clark

Off

Welcome to my blog! If you would like to keep updated on new posts, please subscribe.
And consider following me on Facebook and Twitter. Thanks for visiting!

Feeling shy or awkward in certain situations is understandable. For some, though, shyness and social awkwardness may not be circumstantial but constant. This can be very frustrating and hard to overcome, but there are some things you can do to help overcome your shyness and approach people in social situations. Here are some tips:

Learn to laugh – There’s something about laughter that makes everyone feel more comfortable. This is why “ice breaker” activities at parties often are designed get participants to laugh. So don’t be afraid to laugh at someone’s jokes or learn a few funny lines yourself.

Force yourself to stay – Sometimes shy people feel so uncomfortable in a social situation that they just want it to end. Consciously resist this impulse. Tell yourself to stand your ground, stay put, and interact. Remember, the other person is not going to breathe fire; he or she just wants to have a conversation and get to know you.

Learn to be comfortable with silence – Social situations can feel especially awkward if you are uncomfortable with mutual silence. This may trigger shy people to babble to fill the silence. So be cool – some silence between people is okay. In fact, it helps give the other person a chance to think before he or she speaks. The person you’re speaking with will appreciate this!

Stretch – Just like physical stretching, stretching yourself socially and psychologically can be somewhat uncomfortable and even painful. But also like physical stretching, it’s necessary. If your first instinct is to say no when someone asks you to do something, stop and think first. Tell the person you will get back to him or her if you aren’t sure. This will give you some time to get some courage and say yes.

There is a point when simple shyness and social awkwardness may be an actual disorder. If you are so shy and embarrassed by the thought of introducing yourself to others or attending a party that you go to great lengths to avoid the situation, it might be a social disorder. A social anxiety or phobia causes you to have trouble living a normal and productive life due to your social fears. Social anxiety disorder and social phobia are real disorders that may need the help of a professional.