I have been shy for as long as I can remember. My mom tells me that
I was shy in elementary school...and I can remember standing alone
on the playground if no one I already knew was in my class. I am
constantly being reminded by my 'friends' or coworkers that I am
quiet. It seems like after a week or so of knowing people, they all
come to the same conclusion: I am quiet. I don't really know why I
am so shy. I always tell myself to talk more in class or when I meet
new people, but for some reason, even when I really try, I am still
called 'shy' or 'quiet'. I am now in college and I really don't want
to be this way anymore. I want to have more friends. And I feel like
I stay friends with my best friend is because I am afraid that I
won't be able to meet new friends...that thought worries me. The
saddest part is, I don't even really like my best friend. I have had
lots of friends before, but that is because they grew up with me and
accepted the fact that I was shy...no one even said anything about
it. I think that this might be the reason that I have stayed this
way for so long. I never had to meet new friends until I moved in
tenth grade. I went for a year without friends, until one very
outgoing girl befriended me. She is practically my only friend now
b/c I have lost touch with my friends from back home. I really want
to become more outgoing. My mom told me that she used to be shy, but
now she is one of the most friendly people that I know. I want to
meet my boyfriend's family, which is HUGE, but I am scared
to...because I'm so shy! I hate it because I know that I don't act
shy around him, and I never did (for some reason I was outgoing that
night!). But I know the time is coming (I've been dating him almost
two years) that I will have to meet his mom & family. I need tips on
how to break the cycle of shyness...at work, school, and in my
social life. Can anyone help? Thank you!!