Comments on: 20 Ways to Overcome Shyness

By: ns

ns — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 02:26:10 +0000

i feel shy a lot- that’s why i have become addicted to anti-anxiety meds. i feel i need to take them in social situations and feel this is pathetic but i so desperately need them. my psych cut me off of them due to a misunderstanding w/the pharmacy and now i have a limited supply of them. i think my parents were both shy and i have inherited it. my uncle was quite brilliant, a lawyer that was shy and drank to overcome it. he committed suicide in his 50′s due to his drinking. i should try to stay away from chemical dependency seeing as how it runs in my family. but i’m still shy and feel so much better on a ‘controlled substance’. shoot

By: Awkward Turtle

Awkward Turtle — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:48:18 +0000

HI Tina,
I just like to say that I loved your article! You pointed out major key factors on the subject that I wouldn’t have thought of. But it is so true. Shy people are complete worry warts. We are so involved in our thoughts that we never recognize anything else. Coming from personal experience I still have trouble with this today. When you mentioned #3 Labeling… it got to me because what Amanda had said reflected exactly how I have felt for the longest time. Me and Amanda are so much alike, it’s unreal. But your article is really helpful and I would definitely take your advice! So thank you for everything!

By: Jeff

Jeff — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 16:52:22 +0000

Good things come to those who take action and start creating good things.
American folk legend Will Rogers nailed it when he said, “Go out on a limb. That’s where all the fruit is.”

Although it might be scary to climb out from the safety of the trunk, you’ll rarely pluck the sweet fruit by waiting there.

By: Abby

Abby — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:58:52 +0000

I liked reading this article. I like the “three questions”, and am going to try them, because often times when I begin speaking in front of people, I become so nervous and terrified that I could hardly tell you what I’m doing or saying.

However, I agree with “still shy”. I too am in uncomfortable situations on a regular basis at work, and I very often have to speak in front of 15 or more people, which I really dislike doing. The nervousness and anxiety has not lessened over time. In fact, from the age of about 8 I have been making concerted efforts to be more outgoing and avoid others labeling me as shy, but I have not been very successful.

It’s unfortunate, because I feel that my shyness and overall social awkwardness is affecting my career. I don’t need to be a social butterfly, but I’m sure that I won’t have the same opportunities in my career that my more extroverted and outgoing coworkers will.

By: Isabella

Isabella — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 02:11:58 +0000

I am in 7th grade. I never used to be this shy, I actually got this way when I came into 7th grade. I became upset with myself. I live in an apartment, not a big house like everybody else. I only have a few friends. I also find it easier to keep my mouth shut instead of saying something stupid that I will regret. Now, if I’m loud people are really surprised. They believe I am extremely shy. If I try to come out of my shell awkwardness overtakes me and people can sense it. I am constantly called shy, quiet, and “emotionless”. I’ve tried everything but nothing works. I don’t want to be popular, but I can’t stay like this either. Guys are afraid to ask me out, too. Everybody says, “The way you walk and keep your head high intimidates people.” So basically guys think I’m going to reject them. I thought I was shy! I am so confused. Also, in class I don’t know many people, many of them already have their own cliques and if I even tried talking to them they would shut me out. So, I just stay quiet. Now the teacher always says I’m the best student and everybody laughs at me! Yesterday, one girl called me a slut. I’ve never done anything to deserve that, I don’t even know her. So am I shy? I think I am, I ALWAYS think about “Am i walking right?” or “Am i sucking it in so I dont get called fat?” or “Is my hair messed up?” or “Is my mae up perfect?” or “Are these clothes okay?” and most commonly: “Am I smiling? I can’t do that, my teeth are ugly. I’ve been made fun of this before.” All these thoughts swirling through my head, I get so flustered and go into self-pity with no idea how I can get out, or if I can.
Please help.

By: Daniel Lux

Daniel Lux — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 06:59:59 +0000

This is AMAZING! like actually amazing… I’ve read several help books on anxiety, and this post beats all the books I’ve read so far! Thank you for such a very helpful post that can relate to anyone who is battling anxiety :) We are stronger than we think.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:19:30 +0000

I love the ‘three questions’. Simple advice like this can really help when you get into the habit of using them frequently.

By: Johnny

Johnny — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 03:00:34 +0000

This remind me about a song that mention: “Shyness can stop you From doing all the things in life”

By: Bob

Bob — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:11:15 +0000

Wow! This is the best thing I’ve ever read on overcoming shyness. You’ve looked at this issue from so many different angles, and digged so deep that you really crystallized the core things out.
For me, my favorite here is the 3-question-mantra, I’ve written that down on a piece of paper and carry it in my wallet now as a reminder.

By: Ben Holman

Ben Holman — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:18:13 +0000

I can talk to a lot of people easily without feeling uncomfortable but when I talk to attractive girls or popular people I can feel awkward and my mind drifts away from the conversation and I start feeling self-concious. I can’t think of how to carry on the conversation and I start to go red when I reply to the person. It’s very annoying and makes me feel less confident.

When I was younger I used to be a loud and confident person and was the most popular in the class. I am from the UK so I moved up to secondary school and it was a lot different. I don’t know how it happened by I am now the quiet person in the school and I think I might be overcoming it slowly, but I am still quiet and want to overcome it as soon as possible. I am 14 years old by the way.