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Phil,
I think shyness does tend to be progressive if left undealt with. As you get older, you get more isolated. This happened to me.
As someone over 50, I have found that it is possible to change it even at this stage of life. What is working for me has been reading Bernardo Carducci's book "Shyness: A Bold New Approach," which has an excellent analysis of the psychology of shyness that is especially good for the older reader who has more capacity for self-reflection and analysis of past experience. His supplementary booklet "The Pocket Guide to Making Successful Small Talk" has lots of good practical suggestions. Both are on Amazon and have really helped me to get better with people and to expand my social connections.
Recently I got the tapes from www.socialanxietyinstituteorg, which were suggested by people on this list. It gives methods for reconditioning your thought patterns. I have only just started but I think it is right on target.
I tried analytic therapy for years to no avail. The cognitive-behavioral approach is far more effective, and you can begin to see progress in even a relatively short time if you are committed, even at midlife after a lifetime of shyness and introversion. If you can find a group in your area it is even better. It is progressive, but can be reversed.
Good luck,
Annette
----- Original Message -----
From: phildbhSent: Tuesday, October 05, 2004 5:28 PMSubject: [SocialFitnessForum] Progressive?
New to the group. Never really considered shyness my problem when I
was young mostly thought I just didn't fit. Anyway, as the years
have gone by I see myself as socially anorexic, not able to maintain
relationships. I can meet people and have developed social skills
over the years but my lack of "mixing it up socially" when I was
young has created the situation I am in today. It's not hopeless but
certainly not easy changing 50 years of being a certain way. Anyway,
my question is does anyone else find this to be progressive?
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