<p>I'm shy, and I find it really awkward to meet new people. Like after the usual, "where are you from" "where are you staying" there isn't really much left to say. Then you're left with this eerie silence... I want to join clubs to meet people, but do people usually go alone to kick-off meetings? Even then how would you avoid that awkwardness when meeting new people??</p>
<p>Exactly the same way except after I’m done talking about the weather I’m mumbling to myself “well…I’ve successfully exhausted my small talk capabilities”. Don’t ask me for a solution…if I had friends I wouldn’t be on CC at 7 PM.</p>
<p>You’re not the only one! Also keep the “what’s your major” question tucked away. That way you can ask them more about their major, or what they’re interested in. Make sure to have a little awkward turtle dance prepared, too. It actually helps.
It’s okay to go alone. Just don’t think about yourself too much when meeting someone. Make sure to ask lots of questions about the other person. Ask them what they do with their spare time, about their family, and go down those threads. The best way to get to know someone is to be interested in them. Listen to what they have to say. Don’t forget to laugh and smile. Be friendly!
This is coming from someone who has social anxiety. I have a really hard time among people I don’t know. I get nervous and jittery and go stand in the corner. But I realized that if I didn’t get out there and start talking to people, I’d be really lonely and miserable. So I forced myself out there. I noticed people are often in the same position as you, and just looking for someone to talk to them. And listen. Because most people are scared and worried. And it gets better. Promise :)</p>
<p>Join clubs. I have social anxiety, and in a commuter school, but I’ve made plenty of friends.</p>
<p>When I was younger, I was extremely introverted and had trouble with even the simplest conversations. Several things always helped me break the ice. Wear something unique that is a conversation starter. For example T shirts that show your favorite rock band or TV show. It will attract people with similar interests and right off the bat you have a common bond. “Did you see their last concert?” “Wasn’t that series finale awesome?” You can also wear a unique hat or gloves for example. People will come up to you and say that they noticed them and compliment you.It seperates you from the crowd. My daughter wears unique clothing and it helps her connect with other free spirits.</p>
<p>Joining clubs is a horrible idea.
Also, I think someone should make a social anxiety/shyness FAQ since these threads make up 3/4 of every page at this time of year.</p>
<p>Joining clubs is a good idea on paper, but I don’t think it really works that well in practice.</p>
<p>I’m shy, too.</p>
<p>Joining clubs like the others above me have suggested isn’t going to help you much if you don’t talk to the other club members. I mean, I’m involved in a few clubs, but when I attend meetings, I just sit there quietly and don’t interact with anyone because I’m too shy to go up and talk to people.</p>
<p>I am shy too…but I found a (bad) solution. But, it works. </p>
<p>Ok… Um… Warning: What I am about to tell you is bad advice and illegal if you’re not 21. </p>
<p>I was a shy kid during my freshmen year. I avoid talking to people and focused all my time and energy on school related work… Then, upon reflection, I realize how pathetic my life is. One day, I signed up for a fraternity and got a text about a party. They came to pick me up and… well, let’s just say I realize the power of alcohol. IT TAKES AWAY THE SHYNESS! </p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong, I am not telling you to get wasted all the time. Just saying, it wouldn’t hurt if you take a shot or two while you’re somewhere social (volunteer work, school clubs, parties and such). That’ll take away whatever that’s holding you back from talking to people and break the ice with them. </p>
<p>That’s what I’ve been doing and it’s working great. Like I said, it’s bad advice. Follow at your own risk.</p>
<p>Don’t worry, I’m a shy person, too. I usually feel like a burden to my roommate since I usually don’t have anything to say to her, and when I do, it’s just a few short words. :C She’s very extroverted, whereas I’m introverted, so it’s such a clash.</p>
<p>^omg, I’m in the exact same situation as you. I’m extremely shy and I never have any idea was to say to my very outgoing and bubbly and extroverted roommate. I always feel so awkward being in the room with her, because she tries to talk to me but the conversation hardly ever gets very far. She seems like the type of person that came to college expecting to be best friends with her roommate, and now she sees that it’s not going to happen. I mean, I know I don’t owe her anything whatsoever, but I still feel bad, especially because we probably would be really good friends if I wasn’t so shy.</p>
<p>I am really shy, and I go to a school that’s really far away. The approach I took is “Well, I can sit in my room and not talk to people, or I can talk to everyone I think is really cool.” I did the latter, and I made a lot of friends! Joining clubs really does help, because there’s a bunch of people who really like at least one thing the same as you.</p>
<p>Also, remember that there are many more people going through this at your school and every other school.</p>
<p>I like Drash’s suggestion, nothing gets me social like alcohol.</p>