Hi.

For kunzie99...

My husband is a stutterer. He attended speech therapy
for years. As a result of his difficulty with speaking, he became
shy too. I recently read that stuttering happens because in a
certain part of the brain, messages neurons send follow a different
sort of route than the messages in non-stutterers. But if that's too
sciencey for ya, take comfort in this: Samuel L. Jackson has a
stutter, and so does Bruce Willis.

Teacherkasey...

I'm really shy too. When I'm at work, I have a hard time making
conversation with people, so I usually avoid it. I just stare
straight ahead and focus on my work. I sit next to probably the most
extroverted employee in the world, so it's a weird feeling...the most
shy in the office next to the least shy. It bugs me when she makes
fun of people (which is most of the time.) But laughing all day and
making fun of people seem to be all she does...And everyone seems to
like her. But interestingly enough, yesterday I heard her say that
her 9 year old daughter had a better social life than she does--and
she sounded serious. So that just goes to show you that even the
bubbly types have a problem making friends.

Like you, when I'm with my hubby, I usually feel really comfortable
and can do or say anything. But when I'm around his friends, I stick
by his side like I'm glued to him and I don't say a lot. And at work
I'm extremely quiet. I even eat lunch by myself. (But I don't feel
so bad about that one anymore, since a lot of other people eat by
themselves in our break room at work.)

I've struggled with making friends, because, like I said, I normally
avoid making conversation. I don't know...people in general,
especially my co-workers around my age, seem too judgemental and
superficial. I feel like they'll judge me whether I talk to them or
not...but at least if I'm quiet, all they can say about me is I'm
quiet! (And when I'm nervous, I tend to say stupid things. So now, I
just don't say much at all.)

I hope this hasn't been depressing to read. I guess I just want to
let you know that you're not alone.

-ad3737