Need some help with shyness..

[pordahorde]

Well topic pretty much sums it up... I can't get over being shy talking to most people, i mean some are friendly and usually engage you by force. But at like my workplace i've only talked to about a quarter of the people there.
Is there any tips or advice u guys can give to help me through this.

[vento]

Why do you feel shy around people? What emotions do you have when you're in those situations?

Personally, I used to be shy around women - that was overcome by the realization that I had nothing to lose and everything to gain by talking to them. If they didn't like me, I would be in the same position as if I didn't walk up to them, and really, no harm was done. Now I don't worry about it at all.

My point is that some introspective thought as to why you feel the way you do about those situations might be a good exercise. I've met some extremely nice people who were very shy and all it took was someone breaking the ice. Best of luck!

[fmb]

Try speaking to folks you pass in the halls, grocery store, park, or wherever. You don't have to carry on a conversation, just say "hello" and smile. With some practice, speaking to folks you don't know will become commonplace and much easier for you.

[MaxZorin]

I was very shy once, then i realized it was one of the dumbest thing to do in this life.
What did i do? Simply, I loose myself, started to walk with style, like you were walking inside a disco, with rhythm you know...
Good sense of humor is also an excellent tool when it comes to approaching people, everybody likes the guy who makes fun of everything. but don't become a clown, you have to say that funny thing that everyone is waiting to hear, like Bart Simpson. Once you learn that you're never gonna quit or forget because it turns into something natural to you like breathing.
The most important thing, be honest, don't fool around inventing shit like you're a secret agent or you have the longest dick in the planet, just be yourself, i'm pretty sure a lot of people gonna get interested into knowing you once you show yourself!

[bobburgster]

I have found with myself it has been a confidence issue. If I'm tentative and unsure in a situation I tend to be shy.
Since this occurs with you mostly at work, do you feel it is because you lack confidence in your abilities and knowledge?

[pordahorde]

I don't think its really lack of confidence, but I get that last minute resistance from myself, and can't pull together to talk to someone. Even for just a friendly conversation.

[mbsector]

well seeing how its been a few months since this thread started, I'm guessing you're still struggling a bit =\

I can't say I'm the most sociable person, but I think that it takes baby steps sometimes. When I was quite a reserved person, I wouldn't be able to talk because I would always think about what to say. I know it's cliche, but usually a conversation can carry its own as long as the two people keep talking.

I used to never talk because I used to worry that I wouldn't be able to keep talking and I would end up making a fool of myself. But then I took little steps towards it, I engaged in a conversation and right before I felt it dying, I pretended like I had to go somewhere and I'd say bye HAHA. Dumb, but it saves me.

All it really takes are small steps, maybe just a simple greeting, or a "bless you" whenever someone sneezes. Saying thank you for little things around the work place will get people to notice you a bit more, well at least notice your voice. Good luck!