<p>I have been homeschooled for 10 years and have some social problems, and have never really been able to make friends and have gotten laughed at quite a bit when I try to socialize. Online or off, so I am so afraid the same will happen in college. Does anyone else have this fear?</p>
<p>Yes, most people have experienced this -- you are certainly not alone!</p>
<p>Some people just instinctively know how to socialize, but I am guessing that's the minority. For the rest of us, it's an acquired process -- a lot of us finally acquire it, and some just never do -- they continue to say the wrong thing at the wrong time, can't pick up social cues, and never know how to respond appropriately.</p>
<p>Being home-schooled, where you aren't constantly interacting with your peers makes the social learning process even more difficult, but certainly not impossible!</p>
<p>Listening is key to learning to socialize. Listen, then ask questions that you think will keep the conversation going. Ask questions that show you are interested in the person. We used to call it "playing detective". The truth of the matter is, people like talking about themselves.</p>
<p>Stay positive and don't be negative or accusatory, and you'll find that, in time, you'll find a lot of people who have similar interests and want to hang with you. Meaning, if someone asks you a question, take it as a good thing, rather than getting hostile, thinking they're "prying"; then turn that same question back on the poser -- what do YOU think about that?</p>
<p>Most importantly, learn how to laugh at yourself and laugh with others (as opposed to laughing AT others).</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>