How Can I Learn to Socialize?
In recent years have you found yourself unable to socialize properly? Have you started avoiding social situations just so you can avoid the feeling of anxiety that always seems to accompany them? Well, there are things you can do to improve your ability to socialize...
Okay, the first thing to consider is: on the occasions that you do get to socialize, are they in environments in which you are naturally happy? For example, some shy people don't like sitting around in pubs/bars drinking.
Consider instead getting involved in activities that you are interested in, in which socializing is a bonus by-product.
For example, are there any outdoor activity groups near you that you could get involved in? Doing a fun activity takes some of the social pressure off, because if you can't think of anything to say then you can just enjoy the activity.
Then, as you gain more confidence in being around other people, you could make more of an effort to approach people and chat to them.
Alternatively, have you thought about signing up for some evening classes that interest you at college? What's the worst that could happen? You learn some new interesting things.
What's the best that could happen? You meet some nice people who are also interested in the same kind of thing and you get friendly with them.
And that's how easy it can be really.
Don't force yourself to do activities that you don't naturally enjoy.
Do the things that you want to do, but try to incorporate them into a social environment.
Okay, the first thing to consider is: on the occasions that you do get to socialize, are they in environments in which you are naturally happy? For example, some shy people don't like sitting around in pubs/bars drinking.
Consider instead getting involved in activities that you are interested in, in which socializing is a bonus by-product.
For example, are there any outdoor activity groups near you that you could get involved in? Doing a fun activity takes some of the social pressure off, because if you can't think of anything to say then you can just enjoy the activity.
Then, as you gain more confidence in being around other people, you could make more of an effort to approach people and chat to them.
Alternatively, have you thought about signing up for some evening classes that interest you at college? What's the worst that could happen? You learn some new interesting things.
What's the best that could happen? You meet some nice people who are also interested in the same kind of thing and you get friendly with them.
And that's how easy it can be really.
Don't force yourself to do activities that you don't naturally enjoy.
Do the things that you want to do, but try to incorporate them into a social environment.