<p>hey guys, well i suppose i have REALLY bad social skills. i just feel awkward and frustrated when i'm trying to deal with people. people at school know me for being the shy, brainy, future valedictorian type. it's frustrating because i've tried to be outgoing and free, yet that escalated badly. i've pretty much given up on public speaking and trying to make friends. please don't laugh at me... WELP!</p>
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<p>I’m going to guess that was meant to be “HELP!”</p>
<p>Look people in the eye when talking for starters, that helps a lot. You don’t have to be an extrovert, just be friendly and approachable. Smile, contribute to discussions in class and offer to help someone out in class if you see that they need help.</p>
<p>Try with people you actually want to talk to. It’s easier for me when I’m trying to talk to someone relatable.</p>
<p>Like anything in life, you won’t get better if you don’t practice. Shutting yourself in from the world will just make the situation worse and worse!</p>
<p>If you aren’t ready to practice on people from your school, just practice on everyday people you encounter. Talk to the pizza man, the lady who scans your groceries, or just a random person in line next to you! They are people who you will probably never see again, so you don’t have to worry about saying anything embarrassing or anything like that. :)</p>