Teen Edition
TEEN EDITION OPINION
Ways for you to overcome shyness

May 15, 2008

Have you recently been to a school event, concert or maybe even a party? You are with your group of friends, having a good time. Suddenly, they all walk away leaving you in an open space all alone.

People are all around. Some you know from your school, your neighborhood, maybe even some people who look familiar. You immediately begin to think, should I talk to them? Will they want to talk to me? What could we talk about? As these thoughts run through your mind, your palms get sweaty, your heart rate goes up, and you may even start tapping on your leg with your fingers. It has been awhile and people are beginning to notice you so you nervously begin to walk over to a group of people your age, while you stumble over your own feet. Just as you open your mouth to make yet another awkward conversation, your friends return and you are no longer left with the horrible feeling of being shy.

Everyone goes through it at least once in their life. It is hard to avoid, but easy to overcome. I am here to teach you the top three ways to overcome your shyness. If it's meeting new people, participating in class, or just making conversation with your friends. These three quick tips will make all those sweaty palms and twitching fingers go away.

Confidence is key. When trying something new or meeting someone you don't know, be confident and hide your insecurities. Let's say it's the first day of class. None of your friends are in that class and the only seats available are ones already next to other people. You sit down next to a familiar face, but you do not really know them. Your plan is to sit there silently, do your work, and finish the class. Doing that, you would then have to continue the rest of the year awkwardly sitting next to the same person you never spoke to. Move to plan B — confidence. Say hello, or maybe you could ask why they are in the class. Show people that you are confident in yourself. Bring out your personality and people will immediately be drawn to you.

A smile is worth a thousand words, which brings me to our next tip: friendliness. You are now confident with yourself and all your insecurities are hiding in the back of your closet. Show people that you not only have a great personality, but they want to meet you because you are nice. Walk into class with a smile on your face, show people that there is a reason to smile. Even if no one else is smiling, or seems happy, just go for it. Be the first one to brighten everyone's day. Be enthusiastic about life, but not so much that people want to throw a book at your head. Make conversation with the people around. Even if there is nothing to talk about, think of something. Tell an anecdote; one story can get the whole crowd talking. Be the one to make everyone smile.

So people now love you and you are the star of the show. Why not try something new. Join a club or try a new sport. Maybe even do something with your friends that none of you have done before. People will see your fun side, and there is nothing better than making new friends. You've just got to show personality and that there is a reason to smile. Be outgoing, make people want to be around you.

So you have got all the steps down. Confidence, friendliness, and trying something new. Now you are invincible, you can do anything, and have a great time doing it because you are outgoing. Your shyness no longer exists and you are practically a new person.


© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers