You may not be just shy, but introverted. I am and have been like this my whole life. Always hated it, but you tend to accept it. Some introverts can become extroverts. It depends on a lot of your upbringing and surroundings. It is not a bad thing to be introverted. If people tell you to stop being shy, don't listen to them. Say you are not shy, you are introverted. Do some research on it. See if you fit that. There are many types of introverts. You can even take a little quiz to see what type you are. Many famous people are introverted.

I know it is hard at that age as I had to go through the same thing, although I did not change schools. You have a small group now and that is plenty for our type. Just enjoy what you have, forget what others say and do what you like.

Take care.

I can totally relate to your circumstance. Not only am I shy, but I have people criticizing and gossiping about it. I do find that making small steps to talk a little more can help accumulate in the long run. We don't have to improve on a daily or even monthly basis. I don't think it is a gradual process, strictly speaking, but more of a series of small jumps. Certain events will naturally prompt as challenges and opportunities for change, and some of them led me here.

I totally get where you're coming from. And like it was mentioned, you might just be introverted. I used to refer to myself as shy until I came to know that I am actually introverted. I know how you feel because I moved around a lot and could not talk to anyone. I was bullied because I didn't speak ever at school. When people tell you to quit being shy, that's like telling you to be someone else. I've been slowly and gradually trying to put myself out there. Now don't get me wrong. I definitely still do not initiate conversations and am pretty terrible at communication in general, but how me and my best friend actually became friends is she recognized that I couldn't speak, so she passed a notebook and had me write down what I wanted to say until I could work up the courage to speak to her. I was so afraid of saying the wrong that I said nothing instead. But I can promise you that you will eventually be able to speak to people. A year ago, I couldn't ask the cashier for a ketchup packet at Wendy's or I would have a full-on panic attack (I have social anxiety), but now I can ask for a refill, which is a big step up for me. It is a gradual process, but you will definitely be able to overcome your shyness eventually. Now I am not saying you are going to be a super confident outgoing person (I don't know if I'll ever get there), but you won't have as much trouble talking to people, at least your friends. I still can't initiate conversations or hold them for very long, but my point is shyness is something you can overcome and you'll be okay. And if you ever want to talk, just message me. I am all ears!

You might want to talk to a therapist about your shyness. You may have social anxiety disorder. Talking to a professional might help even if you don't have a disorder.