How to Improve Your Social Skills While Shy
Some people are naturally shy and have a difficult time interacting with other people. Even people who were previously outgoing may encounter problems in life that result in a shy demeanor. Being shy can be a stumbling block in situations where social interaction is important, such as giving a speech, working on a project with a group or going out on a date. Overcoming a shy demeanor takes a lot of work and requires a commitment to teaching yourself to be more comfortable in social situations.
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Instructions
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Attend social functions as often as you can. Whether it is a holiday party for your family, a birthday bash with your friends, a dance at school or a wedding reception, you can use these situations to practice your skills. Talk to the people you know to warm up to the group and then expand out and talk to new people. Over time, talking to others becomes easier.
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Find a hobby or organization that gets you out of the house and around other people who share your interests. It is much easier to talk to people with whom you share interests because you don't need to struggle to find something to talk about. As you get to know the people in your group, you will find it easier to talk to them.
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Branch out from your usual group of friends. While it is easier to have someone you know to talk to initially, it is always easier to socialize with people you already know. Meeting new people is a big stumbling block for a shy person. Join one of your friends at an event you normally would not attend to expand the number of people you are exposed to.
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Watch how other people interact with each other to learn what is expected in social situations. If you aren't comfortable jumping into a social situation right away, you can still benefit by observing those around you. Once you have a feel for what is going on around you, it may be easier to jump in.
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Give yourself time to get used to social situations. You must recognize if a situation is too uncomfortable to even attempt or if you need to push yourself to join in. You can always give it a try and if you still feel uncomfortable, wait and try again later on.
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Change your attitude about yourself. If you constantly tell yourself that you are shy so you can't do it, you will believe that. Instead, tell yourself repeatedly that you are confident and brave and you can talk to others and socialize. Forget about what other people may think of you. Keep your attitude positive and your behavior will follow.
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Volunteer with an organization, such as a food kitchen, senior center or youth organization, where you can help serve others and enhance your social skills. Helping others can help take your mind off the social aspects and allow you to interact with others naturally without having to think about it.
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Tips & Warnings
Getting a job in a customer service-related field can help you to hone your social skills while earning money at the same time.
References
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