i'm always afraid of being rejected, online or in person. I have contacted numerous people on this site only to get no response.

people live in their own worlds. you get out of a relationship what you put into it, or so they say. I used to care more about my friends on here but it wasn't always returned.

best of luck in finding people that you can relate to. i'm here during the work days but not much at night or weekends and some people don't get that

I also am shy and am afraid of rejection. I do try to talk to my friends on here and alot of the talking isn't returned. I really don't like it when another doesn't respond to a hug if it is asking how you are, etc. I feel like I am not cared about or liked... I guess I let it get to me at times... need to improve my self-esteem as others don't determine my worth. Sorry I got off subject. I haven't been on here much lately due to illnesses and various other reasons. I never know what the next day will bring. I seem to have lost my sense of humor anymore. I just feel so blah... I am here if you want to talk or vent.

A lot of us have been there. I had a very bad speech impediment so that made it even worse, there was actually a valid reason for me to be rejected. ;)

It took me years, but I worked very hard at my recovery. I would try to do 'something' every day that took me out of my comfort zone. Talk to a stranger in line at the store, make small talk with a cashier, joke with a waitress. The more you 'practice', the easier it becomes. It helped (especially at first) to pretend I was playing a role, like it wasn't even me doing it. It made it..... less personal.... I guess.

But anyway, now I do all those things without even thinking about it, it comes natural. It's really scary at first, but put yourself out there and good things will happen. :)

Thanks guys :o)

Yes, people are in their own world. its really hard to connect to someone wither you are shy or not.

I am lucky to have a few good friends in life and hopefully online too.

Violet - if someone likes you they will take the time to respond to you. my best friend and I are not as close as we use to be - I am always saying he doesn't like me or care about me and he said one day " If i didn't like you or care about you I simply would not respond or I'd respond every now and then. " that really changed how I looked at my friends and made me appreciate my true friends even more.

angel - If a person doest respond to you - their loss - its best not to waste much time thinking about them.

hugs and it is tough to be shy to be rejected sucks too...to not know if your friends even care....well good luck...hope you make some friends who care and respond...

Hi, I'm severely shy and lonely and feel real bad some days. I'd like to be friends if you're interested.

I use to be so shy-and sooo quiet! Teachers would always remark on my report cards how quiet I was and teachers even would accidentally lock me in the class because they didn't know I was there!
Then I guess come junior high I figured perhaps TALKING would get me to fit in-I would like to report that it didn't work,but I'm still talking :)

I think it's a great step you're on here - already starting to get out of the circle, I think! It IS hard to connect these days - I am very outgoing, but friends that I truly connect with and are close with are more rare. I agree not to waste time on people that do not respond, and believe me I did that for years, in search of good friendships. When I began to value myself more, I realized my time was valuable too, and pursuing people that didn't value me or my time was not healthy. Unfortunately that diminished my circle of friends a bit, or at least, my social circle, not all could truly be counted friends. Anyway, it just takes time and patience, and one step at a time! You can do it.

I am also shy online as well as in person. I think what makes things worse is I am a loner too, I like being by myself a lot. Sad thing is I am lonely and would like to make more friends. I crave human interactions sometimes but because Im shy it makes it hard to do that. That shy/lonely cycle can be very frustrating.

Thanks guys -

( pagan love the wolf photo)

It helps to know other people feel the same way. The cycle is harsh - I think i am becoming comfortable in my loneliness...Thats what is truly sad.

I really believe that most people who suffer from loneliness, also have a great fear of rejection. It seems to be easier to be alone than to be rejected once again. But at some point, in order to have friends, we have to take chances. And if people stop coming around or aren't there for you, don't take it personally. It's not about you, it's all about them. If you find people who seem to understand you, that you can relate with, then take a chance. I believe shyness is also the fear of rejection. Give trust a chance honey. Hugs Gramybear