12 Steps To Be More Social If Youre A Shy Person

In reality, real life is not always idyllic, and we all have highs and lows in our lives. These are examples of how having a good strategy can help you better manage situations that you tend to avoid because they seem too complicated to handle. It’s important to respect the quiet nature of the space, so favor brief and discreet interactions. Also, look at events organized by your city hall that promote socialization. Identify any type of organized activity by these environments that can promote communication between people. This means putting aside distractions, like your phone or your own thoughts, and focusing entirely on the person speaking.

Anytime you have a negative voice in your head telling you that you are too shy or too weird, pause for a moment and think about your positive qualities instead. Tell yourself that you are talented, creative, and deserving of making good friends. If you’re ready to put yourself out there (even just a little), here’s how to make new friends—without forcing yourself to be someone you’re not. Caroline is the founder of The Introverted Misfit, a community committed to helping socially inept people become more socially confident in themselves.

• Another hallmark of shyness is difficulty expressing emotions; such individuals often hide their feelings, even from close friends and family.
• In a room full of egos, or over confident and arrogant people, you will stand out for all the right reasons.
• Even back in college, I made friends because we used to play counter-strike.
• Shy or introverted people are active listeners and this will show your potential friends your empathetic and emotional side.

Remember, every journey begins with a single step, and over time, you’ll see that shyness no longer poses a significant barrier in your life. The method of paradoxical intention is a simple yet highly effective tool for combating shyness. It involves doing what scares you in the most exaggerated and humorous way. For instance, if you fear public speaking, try practicing in front of a mirror while deliberately making silly mistakes and funny gestures.

In addition to changing your mindset, DeWall suggests allowing yourself to be vulnerable. While no easy feat for some, it does allow you pull down the walls around you and let people in — there’s also nothing wrong in admitting to others that you’re shy. It’s mentally frustrating when you just want someone to lean on and you’re struggling to find that.

How Are Introverts With Friends?

In a room full of strangers, they may remain by themselves, away from the crowd, kind of in their own world. Once they feel more comfortable with others, they open up, and really can be a great deal of fun. When a shy friend starts to warm up, you may forget how shy they had been when you first met.

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Situational shyness is another factor at play—it can manifest as an anxious or nervous reaction to specific events or circumstances. For example, you might be speaking in front of a large audience for the first time and suddenly start doubting every word you say, feeling that you’re doing everything wrong. You deserve connections where you feel safe, accepted, and valued. You don’t have to announce it right away, but being open about your social anxiety can actually help you form deeper friendships. If you’re not feeling any of your current coworkers, consider getting a low-stress side hustle you love where you’re likely to meet new people.

This will increase your chances of having positive experiences and developing real friendships. By following these tips, you will be better able to choose an interest group that not only matches your passions but is also in line with your personality and social comfort level. Joining interest groups is an excellent way to meet people with shared passions. Most people struggle to make new friends, but it can be more challenging for those that are shy. Or, pretend like you’re an actor when you’re faced with an opportunity to make new friends. Basically, you want to pretend that your confidence is absolutely unprecedented.

For instance, someone who always aims to be a brilliant speaker might experience fear of public speaking, fearing they won’t measure up to their own expectations. Gradually lowering these expectations and working towards setting more realistic goals can help reduce levels of shyness. If you feel lonely, disconnected, or simply want to strengthen the friendships you already have, this episode will give you the exact roadmap you need. No matter your social challenges, you are a major stakeholder in your friendships. See yourself as an equal in the partnership, whether it’s budding or longstanding.

You spend 40+ hours a week with these people; they’re a great resource to help you meet others and overcome your shyness in the process. Whether it’s a SoulCycle class, yoga, or something else, these scenarios are a great way to meet people because you’re having a shared commonality. Nothing says, “you guys, we’re all in this together,” quite like trying to get yourself into Eka Hasta Vrksasana pose. So here are the best ways to meet friends as a shy person, according to experts. And, if almost half the population considers itself shy, then you have to figure, by basic math and deduction, you’re by no means the only shy person in the room.

#4 Practice Active Listening

Introversion, on the other hand, describes a personality type that finds energy in solitary activities. Introverts often prefer deep conversations with a few close friends rather than large group settings. While these traits can overlap, distinguishing them allows for better self-awareness and strategies in social interactions. Remember, you don’t have to fit a certain mold to be accepted socially; https://www.smithfieldtimes.com/2025/03/01/what-is-meaningtalks-used-for/ often, it’s our quirks that make us memorable and endearing. Learning to be comfortable in your own skin can reduce the feelings of awkwardness, as confidence is key in social interactions. When you’re shy, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the thought of making new friends.

The good news is that there are tons of tips, strategies, and skills that can make it easier to make friends as a shy person. You turn on the TV and see groups of friends effortlessly going to concerts, spending time in parks, and staying up all night watching movies together. It all looks so easy, but in real life, making new friends requires putting yourself out there, taking time to build connections, and having faith in yourself. These things take work when you’re shy, but if you try, you’ll find that they are very much attainable goals.