I'm determined to beat my social awkwardness on my own?

89% Normal
5 Comments

Sorry if this ends up being really long, I just need to get all of this out. I'll include a tl;dr at the end.

So I'm 19 and female, and I'm really socially awkward. I know that I don't have social anxiety and I'm not shy-I don't have a fear of people, I just never know what to say and how to act and it seems to put people off. Because of this I don't have many friends.

I graduated high school last May and since then I've noticed it's gotten worse. Most of my classes forced me to interact with my classmates so it was a bit of a crutch, and I lost that when I graduated and barely left the house once summer started. Whenever I did go somewhere-the store for example-it was impossible for me to make eye contact, and when the cashier would say "have a nice day" I would just smile awkwardly and rush out of the store. That's not even the worst example.

Eventually I got tired of embarrassing myself and decided I was going to make a change, and it helped earlier this month when I finally got my driver's license. I've been driving around to different places and practicing my social skills, and I have noticed improvement. I actually say "you too" with a polite smile to the cashier, and I go places without feeling like everyone is staring and judging me.

I have had slight relapses, but overall I'm determined to get my social skills back (it started around 7th grade I think). I'm just wondering if it's normal to not want any help (meds and whatnot), and is it possible?

TL;DR: I'm basically a social awkward mess but I've been making improvements and I want to beat it on my own.

Voting Results
89% Normal
Based on 19 votes (17 yes)
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Comments ( 5 )
  • Ellenna
    9 years ago

    I really admire you for making such big changes in yourself and I hope you get to where you want to be without help if that's how you .

    On the other hand, if you hit a plateau or start to go backwards, don't be ashamed to get help. I wouldn't think medication would be appropriate, but meditation would be, also exericse and maybe Cognitive Behavior Therapy. If you're determined to go it alone, CBT books are available, maybe check out your local library?

    I wish you well: you're a great role model!

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  • golden_showers
    9 years ago

    I was exactly where you are now when I was your age. I wouldn't go back to high school for NOTHING! Now I'm 39, and I've come into my own, since about 24 or so. My best advice that REALLY helped me? Was working out. If you start going to the gym, lifting weights. Not only do you feel better physically but it really helps your self confidence. It was the best thing I ever did to break out of that socially inawkward phase into eventually, actually going to bars and places alone and just meeting people!

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  • TrustMeImLying
    9 years ago

    Well wasn't that a nice read. A pity it wasn't a longer story ;)

    Coincidentally just 2ish weeks days ago I met a girl who told me about her high school story to college transition story, how she was so closed up/quiet/awkward, but then started talking more, and how now everyone sees her as the most strong and confident woman in public (and she's so petite!) Me thinks you're on a similar same path. So it is definitely possible.

    Just don't be unreasonable in denying help. Some girls can get too invested in self-sufficiency, to the point that it actually becomes a "personal bubble" all over again and is even more detrimental to social life. Also, if in case you beat your social awkwardness 90% but never really completely conquer it, know that it is OK to be assisted by someone or something for the remaining 10%. Good luck!

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  • [Old Memory]
    9 years ago

    Im socially awkward and I embrace it. Its not something that needs to be cured. Life is more interesting when you're weird.

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  • peterrabbyt69
    7 years ago

    Do you admit to being a cocksucker? You have to take responsibility here.

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