Shyness

[ZulstfuricKitty]

I don’t want to be shy and “too quiet” anymore. I want my voice louder and I want to be open to other people. I’m trying to talk more, and it’s working a little bit. I’ve started walking with my head up and keep some what of a decent amount of self confidence and esteem, but I want to be more open and look better than people think.

 

[Marcus]

A lot of people tell me that I'm too quiet, I keep to myself though as much as possible because I don't ever want to bother people.

Self confidence and esteem though is something I've fought with my entire life, I can't be too proud of myself because then I look arrogant, but I can't think too low at the same time because I have just as much a right to exist as everyone else.

I care too much about what people think of me, I wish I could get rid of that habit.

 

[Gritches]

I see a lot of "I want" statements. That's excellent, and the right attitude. You have to want it. I was once extremely shy. If I could speak, it was more like squeaking out a single word. Now I'm fairly outgoing and full of confidence.

When you say you're trying to speak more and it's working a little - that's great! Keep it up, that's exactly how it's done. It's sort of like diving into freezing cold water, over and over. The first time you dive in, it's horribly cold, but every subsequent time that water seems less and less cold until eventually you're used to it.

That's not a very good metaphor, but I just wanted to throw some words of encouragement your way because what I glean is that you have the right attitude and you're going about it the right way. You'll have setbacks, but don't get discouraged. You're doing it right, you will get results, just keep pushing on

 

[SusanLR]

I was never shy.
Just didn't know what to talk about in social situations
so I was quiet.
Find someone with my interests though and I can talk on and on. I've also done public speaking and teaching too.

Gritches is sure right though,
You've got to want it. You're on the way.

 

[WereBear]

I was shy... until I moved to NYC. And got assertive fast, and I LIKED it!

 

[Progster]

I don't think that I was born shy, but social anxiety and ASD traits have given me communication and processing difficulties which have affected my personality and made me like this. I think that if I didn't have Asperger's, I'd be more confident and less shy, my personality would be different. I have found that if I speak slowly, I speak a lot more clearly and confidently. If I try to speak quickly, I jumble things up, and that doesn't help my confidence.