<p>Okay right now I have an internship at a major law firm.
I was so reluctant to accept the position but now that I have it I get nauseoous everytime I think about having to go there and interact with the people.
I want it be/c it's a great great oppurtunity at one of the most prestiged law firms in my area...so I'm happy about it but I'm a nervous wreck :/..and I dread having to talk to them and interact with people that I am not really sure about--especially be/c they're not my peers. Should I consult a psychologist? lol
And I am also the student rep to the board of ed and every month when I hav to go there, I am also sick to my stomach. I do a very good job at presenting what I have to say and blah blah blah and people probably can't really tell that I have my problem, but it exists.</p>
<p>I just don't have an outgoing personality---I'm more mellow and laid back and quiet..So I sometimes dislike having to pretend like I have a lot of energy by talking loud and smiling and being friendly (im naturally friendly lol but i am often told that I come across as cold and distant--which bothers me be/c I don't think I am).</p>
<p>What should I do to relieve these anxious feelings? My mom tells me to just "be myself" and don't worry about having to try to be something you're not---but when I do that, my laid back, quiet and what's perceived as "cold" personality is not what's proper in a lawfirm...which is what I learned when I went there to interview with them. They constantly made jokes and stuff and I had to laugh and nod my head and pretend that everything was funny and/or interesting. ughh I need help...I feel like my personality wiill get in the way of whatever career I choose.</p>
<p>I say build self esteem through anything. I swim and play piano really hard…it build me to self-esteem. I am sorry, I didn’t read your whole OP. I swim 6000yds everyday and practice piano for 2 hours everyday.
It helped me to build self-esteem really a lot. Hope it helps.</p>
<p>Once you realize that everyone else is as self conscious as you, it goes away, because everyone is too busy thinking about themselves they won’t even think twice about the awkward kid in corner.</p>
<p>If you think to yourself that you deserve as much respect from them as you give, that should help relieve some fears. Of course, don’t act like you own the place. I believe that if you think that (i.e. that you’re #1 in the world) but act mellow and nice would be a perfect balance.</p>
<p>Just keep going. I guarantee within a month, barring anything serious psychology, that you will feel fine. It is probably more of the idea that there are people there you don’t know and that are judging you rather than the place itself that is causing you worry. Once you start building relationships with the people you will feel fine.</p>
<p>I know exacctly how you feel. I can fake interacting with people but I am always so uncomfortable. I tend to avoid people if possible. I think once you make friends you will be comfortable, at least that would help me.</p>
<p>thanks! I started on wednesday and then went back on thurs.
the people there are sooo nice and lai-back.
from the outside, the firm can appear to be full of stand-offish people but i was wrong.
I am still a bit nervous when I go, but I am getting used to it.</p>