Shyness Support Group

I know what you're talking about. It's that "inner voice" that criticises you every now and then..
The thing is, you have to recognise that it's not the other people who are saying it to you. On things like this, we are our worst enemy. It really does suck. Next time this happens, just tell the voice very forcibly to stop or shut up. Take a deep breath and focus on the now rather than get caught up in what your inner doubt is trying to do.

I hope that helps a little! I'm sure that the people at work would love to chat with you. It'd be a nice break from working constantly. Also - who knows, perhaps they are thinking similar things about themselves. "um, maybe she doesn't want to talk. I would be disturbing her etc"

Thanks. I'll try to remember that. :)

I think that a lot at work. I sort of force myself to get past that feeling and talk up sometimes. But not all the time. I do feel like they think i'm boring at work.. But I try to joke and cut up when I get brave enough to join in. You're not alone in feeling that way.

I know the sound of that voice and its horrible to have it. I still have it and it takes alot to drown that voice out cos it's there and on ya and not alot you can do apart from ingore it and tell it the oppsite to what its telling you.

i so hear you on this. i'm self-employed so i don't experience it at work but definitely in a social gathering. for me it helps to not expect much from a conversation i try to start. i just try to say a few words and give myself permission to feel nervous and to cut it short if it goes on longer than i want. if they don't seem to want to talk right now don't take it personally. you have as much right to talk to them as anyone else there has.

I do the same thing, i'm so afraid of being rejected that i try to create an issue or make assumptions on why they are thinking in order to prepare myself for it. I always observe peoples faces and reactions and make assumptions on what they're thinking, and i'm in constant fear people hate me that i'm uninteresting and annoying. So i avoid talking to people altogether now..