I admit, I’m a shy person. I don’t usually talk to strangers. I get very talkative once I get to know the person and so comfortable after a while. When I arrived here in the US, I had a hard time adjusting to the lifestyle. Most people I met even in grocery stores, malls or parking lots; they are so friendly and so warm.
Then, when time to meet my husband’s family- I wasn’t so sure on how to handle the situation. I never talked, I just listened. They might be thinking I’m weird and stuck.
According to reports "Shy people are very self-focused." They worry about whether they’re fine enough, elegant enough or likeable enough without stopping to consider that others might have the same insecurities than they do. Once shy people stop focusing on themselves, their shyness no longer controls them.
The Author, Leil Lowndes of "Good-Bye To Shy" unselfishly shared her tips for not just surviving but triumphing at holiday events.
Arrive While It's Still a Small Party
You don't like big parties? Most Shys don't at first. And normally they wouldn't dream of showing up early, because they prefer to disappear in the crowd. Yet crowds are the big threat! Solution? Get there when there are just a few people milling about. It's the perfect way to "make a big party small." You'll meet everyone there, so you will know people who can introduce you to others later.
Speak First
All that's required is, "I-li, my name is____. And yours?" Remember, people form an opinion of you in the first 10 seconds. Why waste the first five in uncomfortable silence waiting for them to greet you?
Sound Dazzled Over Dullest Things
No matter how boring your acquaintance's words’ may be, re¬spond as though that person just made the most enthralling revelation you've heard all week. Then you'll sound interesting to your listener. Conversely, no matter how boring you think your own statement is, present it in a this-is-the-greatest thing-since-Velcro tone. And guess what? It will sound interesting to the other person.
Use Names- In Moderation
Say someone's name in greeting and parting. It makes him or her feel more connected to you. But beware: If you use it too much, it will sound fake or come across as a nervous habit.
Ask "Keep Talking" Questions
Leave uh-huh and okay behind and throw out some who? what? when? where? why? and how? questions. Your conversational companion will be thrilled that you want to hear more-and you won't feel pressured to come up with convivial and clever responses.
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Then, when time to meet my husband’s family- I wasn’t so sure on how to handle the situation. I never talked, I just listened. They might be thinking I’m weird and stuck.
According to reports "Shy people are very self-focused." They worry about whether they’re fine enough, elegant enough or likeable enough without stopping to consider that others might have the same insecurities than they do. Once shy people stop focusing on themselves, their shyness no longer controls them.
The Author, Leil Lowndes of "Good-Bye To Shy" unselfishly shared her tips for not just surviving but triumphing at holiday events.
Arrive While It's Still a Small Party
You don't like big parties? Most Shys don't at first. And normally they wouldn't dream of showing up early, because they prefer to disappear in the crowd. Yet crowds are the big threat! Solution? Get there when there are just a few people milling about. It's the perfect way to "make a big party small." You'll meet everyone there, so you will know people who can introduce you to others later.
Speak First
All that's required is, "I-li, my name is____. And yours?" Remember, people form an opinion of you in the first 10 seconds. Why waste the first five in uncomfortable silence waiting for them to greet you?
Sound Dazzled Over Dullest Things
No matter how boring your acquaintance's words’ may be, re¬spond as though that person just made the most enthralling revelation you've heard all week. Then you'll sound interesting to your listener. Conversely, no matter how boring you think your own statement is, present it in a this-is-the-greatest thing-since-Velcro tone. And guess what? It will sound interesting to the other person.
Use Names- In Moderation
Say someone's name in greeting and parting. It makes him or her feel more connected to you. But beware: If you use it too much, it will sound fake or come across as a nervous habit.
Ask "Keep Talking" Questions
Leave uh-huh and okay behind and throw out some who? what? when? where? why? and how? questions. Your conversational companion will be thrilled that you want to hear more-and you won't feel pressured to come up with convivial and clever responses.
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