Hello,
I wanted to introduce myself. My name is Rob. I would like to be a
part of a group that is dedicated to the building up of people.

Since I am a shy person, I find myself relying a lot on online
communities for my social activity. Most online communities end up
being places that people use to impress each other with their genius.
And when other people fail to share their opinion of themselves, it
can get ugly in a hurry. I guess that's something I've learned from
these communities, is that people can be much different than they
first appear. I've had online arguments with people that claimed to
be pastors! I may be clumsy but I'm real. I want to talk to real
people who are willing to share what life is like for them.

I'm a 44 yr old father of two. I'm very happily married so I really
have little to complain about. I have a lifetime of embarrassing
stories related to shyness. I used to hide behind alcohol to "fix" my
problem. Re-discovering my faith in God has helped me a lot. Now, I
just accept that I'll never be the cool guy I had always envisioned
for myself. But I am true to myself. Like me or don't, I will be
myself.

I'm a member of my Church's Worship Team band. Which means I am
onstage every week and that's the last place I ever want to be. But
when I was asked, I couldn't be a coward about it in front of my
daughter. I didn't want her to end up like me. I would rather drive
off a cliff than speak in front of a large group. Playing guitar is a
lot easier than talking.

Fortunately, I don't mind being alone most of the time, but I do
realize that I get lonely from time to time. Sometimes I think that
my funeral could be held in a bathroom because I have so few friends.
I'm happy to see there's help out there for shy people now. My mother
was shy and also suffered from depression. She would have panic
attacks at the mall. She also used alcohol to be social. My advice
for others like myself is: Go to church. Church people have to be
nice to you, it's in the rules :D.

If you've read this far, thanks for your interest and...
I hope to hear from you,

Rob