how does one break out of shyness or intimidation?
455639
I faced this problem. The way to approach a solution is to think of whether the present uncomfortable situation will be remembered a year from now. If no (its mostly no), then please do yourself a great favour and go ahead and talk, because I personally guarantee you that EVERYONE likes to be spoken to. Ask some questions. Smile. And feel at ease, because you're already worth it, and you don't even need that person's approval.
934511
Go to some of the parties.  Join clubs.  Get professional help if you need it.  Do whatever it takes to get over your crippling shyness and be a little more social.  Volunteering is a nice way to meet people and it also improves your personality and confidence.
214006
Shyness is just the insecurity of ones self. Be confident and sure about yourself. If you aren't no one else will be either. Learn to trust yourself as well as love yourself. You be fine. GOD BLESS
447686
I found drama really helped me get over my shyness.  If you're in highshcool take a drama class.  If you're out of highschool, look into a theatre company and audition.  Even if you don't make it, the simple fact that you auditioned infront of -people- will slowly help you
208762
One of the best things I did to improve my assertiveness was to learn to look people in the eyes when we spoke.  It improves confidence and communication levels.  As far as asserting your feelings, be patient, listen alot and respond APPROPRIATELY.\nYou live and learn.
202881
Shyness is all in the mind. I should know... I'm a shy type of person myself. An people think that I'm a snob because of this. The best thing to do is develop self-confidence and try to mingle with people. Just always remember that we are all born equal... So you don't have to be shy in front of a stranger because we are all human beings dwelling in this world. And whenever you found yourself being shy, try to think that you are not. Remember, what you think about yourself reflects... Smile!
458296
try a love note and flowers.  sorry; i don't know a cure for shyness.  I used to be, but it's been fading recently.  Just try diving in and doing it.  If you start hesitating, just do it without thinking (worked about 50% of the time for me)
581908
You get over your shyness by, if necessary, making yourself talk to someone. I know it's not easy. I'm shy too. But I MAKE myself talk to people and when conversation is started, then the next logical step is dating. Smile, and be friendly to men where you go....grocery store, gas station, post office, etc. There are a lot of good, decent guys out there, and one of them is waiting for a nice Lady like you. Good Luck!
646133
just be yourself - be more outgoing.\ni used to be shy when i was around 12, 13 and now im 18 and have the absolute best boyfriend who is so hott (looks like talan off of laguna beach) and i look like kristin, and I have been on Homecoming court twice. be confident in yourself and know who you are.
50305
be your self and dont be shy
115525
Katie, don't expect to go from super-shy to outgoing all at once. Take baby steps and stretch yourself just a little bit at a time. Practice just smiling at people. Say hello to just one stranger a day as you pass by them. Ask a sales clerk a question, even if you don't really need to. Tell a girl you see that you really like her shoes, hair, nails, etc. - when you see that you get a positive reaction to being friendly, it will encourage you to do it more often. Just remember, not everyone will be open to you because they might be shy, too. But most people are willing to at least smile and say hello to others.\n\nTry some volunteer work - start at your local animal shelter if you feel more comfortable around animals than people. Animals love you unconditionally and can really help bring a shy person out of their shell. If it's possible, and you don't already have one, you might even consider getting a pet yourself. Other volunteer work is also helpful if you're allergic to animals or something - go help out at your local food bank, soup kitchen, homeless shelter, etc. \n\nWorking with people is really important if you want a good job. You have to be able to impress employers during interviews and you have to be willing to stretch yourself beyond your comfortable boundaries. Good luck! :)
246713
relax and be urself. u will feel less shy later
917663
Hi Amanda, \n\nPlease know that everything begins inside you, and that is where you can begin your being more outgoing and more assertive. \n\nSeveral powerful tools to help turn your desires into reality are as follows: \n\nHave your ever heard of the term, " Brain Writing"?\nDo this daily: Take a pen and paper and start writing what you want to transpire. for example, " I am a vibrant and outgoing person who is assertive and spontaneous". or something to that effect. Write this, say, 10 times, or as many times as you feel comfortable with. \n\nAnother is called creative visualization. Find a place where you will not be disturbed, perhaps when you go to bed at night, and in your mind, visualize yourself being very outgoing, talkative and assertive. See yourself in different situations and see how you are spontaneous and assertive. If you should feel uncomfortable, stop the visualization and say to yourself, cancel, cancel negative thoughts. and continue with your visualization. \n\nWhen you do this, you sub conscious mind takes everything in, and it cannot tell the difference between a real event or an imagined event. So each time you do these creative visualizations, you are setting the stage for the new you to emerge. \n\nIn closing, always remember, that others will always see you as you see yourself. It's called self confidence and other people will always pick up on it. \n\nI apologize for this being rather long, but it was necessary for me to do whatever it takes to help you to become the new person you desire. \n\nEnjoy the new you, \n\nDarryl S.
604582
It's nothing more than forcing yourself to go talk to people. When you say you're not particularly shy, you mean you are shy but you can tolerate being around people. It's nothing more than making yourself go out and be around people and talking to them, even if you don't want to.
246592
maybe  you are  very shy or insecure...  why not    take a class or  read a book on becoming more assertive ?
587403
Just relax and realize that if you can't get over being so nervous, how are you going to get to know that person? Oh, and remember to breathe...focus in on it, and that will help the anxiety.
665084
Yeah...it's hard to be outgoing when people already assume you're going to be shy. I was voted Most Shy when I was a senior in high school, but I marched over to the yearbook room and told them flat out that I didn't want it and they could give it to the runner up. Because, despite what the snobby popular kids who decide these things thought, I was past my shy era by then. I'd grown out of it.\n\nI HAD always been shy. In middle school and early high school, I was just quiet and I didn't like being the center of attention. I din't know who I was yet, I guess, and I just never had the confidence. I didn't think I was interesting enough to have people like me.\n\nWhen I was about 15 or 16, I suddenly came to the realization of what I wanted to go to college for (to be a game warden...an outdoor cop) and that changed everything. I think having a really strong interest like that made me come out of my shell. Maybe it was the fact that I was interested in telling everyone about it that did it. And it might have been Lord of the Rings...because I became really obsessed with it about then.......perhaps having those two obsessions just made me so eager to talk about them that I quit being shy. I'm not sure.....anyway, I'd start talking up in class more, and I'd have debates with people where before I'd just let them win.\n\nI'm not sure how this pertains to you...I guess the way to get over being shy is NOT by doing some outrageous stunt. That'll make people notice you, perhaps, but that's affecting THEM, not you. It makes them see you, but doesn't make YOU more outgoing. Instead, try to change yourself, not them. Smile at EVERYONE. Make eye contact with people, and say hello and smile at everyone you see. Speak up in class, and say things to people you don't even know. Like, if youre walking down the hallway and you see someone with cool shoes or something, tell them as you walk past, "Hey, cool shoes!" You don't have to extend the conversation...it's just a way of talking to more people. The more people you verbalize with, the better. If it helps, you can do something that makes you stand out, but without being obnoxious. Like...wear brighter colors so that you're more noticeable. Maybe wear bright blue socks everyday, so that people actually have something to relate with you. Having people think of you as, "That person with the socks" is better than them ignoring you completely.\n\nAnd the number one point: confidence. Stop worrying about what THEY think, instead realize that you're your own person, and they should like you for that. Learn to LAUGH. When people see that you laughing and smiling, they'll see that you're not shy anymore. And don't forgetm it's OK to be wierd. You're defined by what makes you different.\n\nGood luck!