Hi all,

New here. Found my way here from Zimbardo's site, whom I respect very
much. I'm a 20 year-old guy, currently attending college. Single.

Anyway, I am here because I obviously have a concern. I find that I
am very shy, especially around females who have yet to become my
friends. I force myself to speak with such people, but an inner part
of me always believes that something may go wrong in just starting a
chit chat, let alone progressing into a conversation about anything
more than hellos.

Conversely, I have the exact opposite reaction to people whom I know.
In fact, I often find myself unrestrained, at least in terms of
starting conversations, making suggestions, etc. I think that I
sometimes go overboard and impose.

I don't know if any of the above two situations are normal, but let's
not use that word. I'm here to get suggestions on how to be less shy
around strangers, especially females, and how to be more restrained
among people who are my friends.

Thank you in advance. This is a wonderful group you have here, and
just reading a few posts suggests to me that you are a collection of
fine, caring, knowledgeable individuals. Just the kind of people to
help me! ;)

Thanks again.

Henry