Start with a compliment such as you do the exercises so well. Smile, try to say a few words and let others talk.

My therapist challenges me too. One challenge was to invite someone for a cup of coffee. I really don’t know anyone where I live, literally. But! I have been chatty with the clerks in a local store. The other day when I went to the store, several were sitting outside so I geared myself up and walked over and joined in the conversation. I stayed for about ten minutes and we talked about the grass dying off for lack of rain and not mowing the grass. So I reported back to my therapist and she was pleased. If you can only make a slight gesture, say hi, comment on someone’s clothing, make eye contact and smile. Little gestures to start, which builds confidence. You can work up from there, don’t rush, keep it simple, reward yourself with an atta girl when you try., and give yourself time, it doesn’t all have to happen in one day.

I agree to start very simplistically. Even just smiling at someone, like as a hello, is a start. It just takes practice.

Perhaps the most important detail I tweak in overcoming my own social anxiety is my mind reading habit, most especially the familiar strangers I had kept at masked social distances for long periods of time. When challenged with a similar psychotherapy assignment, I discovered I was so convinced I knew what all of those familiar strangers were thinking that? ? ? What's the point in even trying?

When I tested the limits of my mind reading skills, I discovered people had minds that were not quite so predictable as my social anxiety had believed. People can surprise me, when given the opportunity.

But that is me. . .

Gentle support while you sort your own.

I have had social anxiety all my life. My old therapist said to go to the
Mall. And smile at four people as my first assignment. I kind of smiled at one person. I wasn't doing eye contact back then so it felt very scary. Most people have felt I was not friendly also. It takes baby steps and a long time. But you can improve.

Practice smiling in the mirror until you feel the confidence within you.

Then try it at class.

oh that would be terrifying! I think I would find someone as isolated as I am and then find something they are wearing--compliment them on it..and ask them where they got it? If you do really like it and buy it...you can share a smile and point...the next class.

Thanks all!!! Next class is tomorrow night.. I have great intentions. I at the very least will smile. And hopefully if a smile is returned I can compliment or remark on the class.

As others have said, start small. There's no rush to have some big conversation with anyone on your first try.

People like to be helpful. Maybe ask the person next to you "Did the instructor just say to do this part 3 times or 4 times?" Then after they answer, just say "Oh great. Thank you for your help!" Like I said, people feel good when they feel that they have been helpful to someone.

And if you really feel brave, at the end of the class, look at that same person and just smile and say "Bye."

Good luck. You can do it!

I also have social anxiety and that’s the same thing for me with church, I’ve been going to that same church for like 8-9 years and I’ve always been shy and I don’t really talk to anyone so I think it’s too late to make friendships with people, but it’s not too late, just last week I was speaking with people from my church and made some friends

Excellent, sfay!