If you feel shy or awkward in social situations, it may be due to your genes or a life experience in which you were pushed too quickly into a situation you weren't ready for, according to website TeenHealth in the article "Shyness." When you feel shy, you may have difficulty talking to people you don't know, you may blush, and some days, you may not even want to leave the house. If your shyness is taking over your life, work slowly to expand your comfort zone.
Step 1
Practice talking to people you know well. Focus on smiling, making eye contact and asking questions when you're speaking to people with whom you are already comfortable. This way, you can remember what to do when you're speaking with someone you've just met with whom you may ordinarily feel shy.
Step 2
Laugh when you're in a social situation. By lightening the mood, making jokes and allowing yourself to see the humor in every situation, you may be able to control physical symptoms such as blushing and voice wavering that may accompany your shyness.
Step 3
Say hello to strangers you pass on the street. Making a small connection with people you don't know may allow you to feel more comfortable when you're in one-on-one conversations with strangers and acquaintances.
Step 4
Expect that other people will have a positive reaction to you, not a negative one, says Bernardo Carducci in the article "Shyness: The New Solution" in the journal Psychology Today. If you expect to be mocked or judged for your shyness, that will only make you feel shyer and more nervous.
Step 5
Rehearse sample conversations out loud in front of the mirror. Although you may feel silly at the time, you may subconsciously remember these sample conversations and feel more comfortable when you're having real discussions.
Tips and Warnings
- Speaking with a therapist about your shyness may help you discover the underlying reasons for your anxiety.
- Consult a doctor if your shyness is so debilitating you are unable to function.
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