Social anxiety can make conversing socially very agonizing. Starting conversations can be something that is unheard of for someone dealing with social anxiety. This creates the feeling of awkwardness, which doesn't really help matters. It just makes them want to try to avoid conversations even more.
Social anxiety can make conversing socially very agonizing. Starting conversations can be something that is unheard of for someone dealing with social anxiety. This creates the feeling of awkwardness, which doesn't really help matters. It just makes them want to try to avoid conversations even more.
Being able to hold conversations is essential for us to be able to communicate with each other. Obviously, someone with social anxiety will want to only someone they are familiar with. Dealing with new people can be nerve-racking.
So having some simple ways to be able to start a conversation is essential if you're having problems talking with people. By being able to have a friendly conversation with someone, and just having a set of conversation tools, you will be able to feel more comfortable starting a conversation.
The most powerful thing you can do is to smile. It's also the easiest. By smiling, you let people know that you're friendly, and makes them want to be able talk with you. Just by smiling, you can have someone start talking with you.
If this sounds frightening, then I challenge you to talk to someone outside of your comfort zone every day. Start talking to them just by saying hello. By saying it first before they do, you are initiating a conversation.
Try doing both, smiling and saying hello.
Don't be afraid to look them in the eyes. Eye contact is important when you're talking with someone. Especially once you are having a conversation with them. Having eye contact with who you're talking with will let them know that you are interested with what they're saying. If your eyes start wandering around, it will make them wonder if they're boring you.
If you have problems maintaining eye contact, practice in the mirror. Practice speaking and keeping eye contact with someone that you feel comfortable with. Just like with advice with talking with people to start a conversation above, you should try to make eye contact with someone every day.
Now, these conversations don't have to be an incredible, in-depth, inspiring speech. It can be the lady at the cash register, someone next to you while you wait for something, a neighbor you don't usually talk with. As long as you're talking with someone outside of your comfort zone every day.
By doing these every day, you will be helping yourself. This is the most important part to remember, because it will help you feel better about talking to people. Use all of these tips to deal with social anxiety together, and go out there and have a conversation today.
