Shyness

<p>Often times, I'm shy at school. Like there's many times I want to say something, but I don't say it. Sometimes, I speak too quietly. Is there something you recommend?</p>

<p>Speak up! What exactly is it that keeps you from speaking? Are you embarrassed? If you know the answer to a question, don't be embarrassed.
A good recommendation is to start out by answering questions in class. Class is an easier situation because the teacher expects students to answer questions, and other students won't think you're weird. Then, once you get used to doing that, try speaking up in social situations too. Don't try too hard but don't be meek either.</p>

<p>As someone here said, say your opinion on the topic or state that topic doesn't deserve to have an opinion :)</p>

<p>I guess it's that I sometimes stumble. I'm afraid of stumbling when I speak, or saying something stupid.</p>

<p>The stumbling thing can be fixed. I know lots of cool people who stutter sometimes--if it really bothers you, though, there is therapy available.
Don't worry about saying something stupid. The most important thing is to have confidence in yourself--you're probably not stupid. And besides, how many times have you heard confident people say stupid things? Everyone says dumb things sometimes.</p>

<p>If you don't want to stumble, speak at a slower pace. Don't speak slow, because that's annoying, just at a slower pace.</p>

<p>Do you have a friend (preferably at your school) that you're more yourself around? Go to group activities with that friend, and talk to groups of people. It'll help you feel more comfortable.</p>

<p>I feel the same way as u do as far as shyness goes- but i find that I have the most fun when I am in social situations and I actually talk - so remember that</p>

<p>I have the same problem with shyness, but now I am starting to not care what people say or the worst supposedly "think" about me. I always say to myself that I can't please everyone so I just got to please myself. Find inspiration from musical artist like (Usher, Beyonce, ect.) that perform in front of large audiences(1,000+) and don't look scared at all.</p>

<p>I am shy around boys that I think are cute --- so I can't you there --- BUT I am not shy at all in other situations... just BE YOURSELF, and remember, you only live once. How do you want people to remember you?? Let that be your drive. I'm sure you're a very cool person with lots of good things to say, don't be shy :) </p>

<p>Just be yourself.That's all I can say. =)</p>

<p>And I agree, start out small, like in class... then start talking to people of your own gender --- then move onto talking to the opposite gender!! It's not too hard, and its fun, once you get the hang of it. Go for it.</p>

<p>I agree with some of what everyone else said except the part about starting out slow. That makes it to easy to talk a couple times feel like you've done well and go back into your old self. That starting out slow stuff is just a way to try and make it seem easier but it really won't it will just draw out the change for a long time making it more painful. If you really want to not be shy anymore you should try to over correct be as outgoing as is humanely possible for you. It will probably be horrible at first but you will fairly quickly adjust. Don't be afraid of being to outgoing there's really no such thing people just confuse outgoing with being a jerk.</p>

<p>I used to be a total introvert and now I simply cannot shut up sometimes. Like, the other day I was going on and on about how I wrote my plans all over my feet, ankles, and hands in the dead middle of night with the aid of a flashlight since I felt irritated about not writing down plans.
How did this dramatic change happen? Well, I used to have low-self esteem, and I found the cause to it. Then I fixed it all up and I feel fine now. Furthermore, I realize that I only have so much time in life to socialize, so why not do it? Why abandon your chances; why make yourself suffer so much by bottling up everything inside of you?
Why lose friends by being too quiet? Why not socialize?
I've realized that more talkative people gain more friends. They're often more popular and liked. I followed my logical reasoning and decided to change for the better. And so I have. I'm much happier now.
I hope you can find what's keeping you from letting it out and free yourself. Analyze your fears. Plan a solution. And do it. :)</p>

<p>Check the CC archives as there have been several informative threads on this subject. They include links to helpful websites. </p>

<p>One such website is shyness.com</p>

<p>accept who you are? everyone can be shy in certain situations. get involved in something, sports, anything... </p>

<p>and high school is not the end of the world. this is a really confusing time, people are so defined by what they wear, what classes they take, who they hang out with, what sports they play, it's hard to really know anyone. everyone faces an identity crises, esp. when you hit 17...what should I do with my life? What does my future hold? </p>

<p>Don't worry, "this too shall pass"</p>

<p>being shy isn't a big deal. I was really shy a few years back to the extent that I didn't talk at all. It took a while, but now I'm okay now (but sometimes I talk a little too much)</p>

<p>like bedrumfront said: It'll pass.</p>

<p>Shyness comes from low self-esteem, 99% of the time. So its not as simple as to just try to be more outgoing. Sure that helps, but you need to raise your self-esteem. First, you should identify why you have this low self-esteem. Why do you think you're less than other people? If you find the reason, then answer: Is this really a legit reason, or is it just completely untrue? Once you fix that problem, you will have an easier time accepting who you are, and as a result raising your self-confidence, and this being less shy. The more confident you seem, the more people will enjoy being around you.</p>

<p>^ I strongly disagree. Mostly because I can sympathize with the OP. It's not as easy as just "being confident" or just saying "I'm as good as the next person"
First of all, being quiet is not a bad thing at all. In fact it's probably a better thing in the long run. Outgoing can be annoying.
One thing that helped for me was excelling in school, also having some close friends I could turn to and doing extra curriculars. It gives meaning and purpose to your life.</p>