toodamnanxious

Friendship Building

Posted on 10/22/09, 04:16 pm

Personally, I find making friends online a lot easier, it's keeping them up that's hard. I lose track of people or I leave myself offline because I'm feeling anti-social. I was wondering what a few tips would be to remind myself how to stay in touch and not let myself get that way.

Also, in terms of making friends with people I see day-to-day, what's a good opener? My anxiety holds me back from getting out often, but when I do I know I should be social, I have trouble understand how though. I haven't really tried to make friends since I was in high school, and it was easier then because there was common ground and I knew that I would be seeing that person the next day, in that class or setting. But now, making small talk feels forced and I'm never sure what to say. Any tips?

• Reply #1 10/23/09  6:09pm
  
  Snoozeis49
  Laugh!..Find something to laugh about when you see someone. Just talk about life in general. Things that you enjoy..try to keep it upbeat. Also do not be affraid once you gain someone's trust..to tell them you struggle with this.
  
  You can always keep the conversation short, you don't OWE anyone time..you OWE yourself time. If it doesn't work ..get up ad do it again.
  
  Be Real, Be Honest, and Be YOU.
  Hope this helps :O)
  Sus
• Reply #2 10/26/09  4:25pm
  
  toodamnanxious
  Thank you, and it does! My family always says the opposite in terms of time, they want me to force myself to keep spending time with people. But I think knowing that I can cut it short and try again, *that's* helpful!

Learn the skills to conquer overwhelming anxiety from physical to emotional coping. We can choose how we feel and think, you just have to be willing to make those changes and commit to them.