Originally posted by Chrisobean
so how do we get over this shyness??
I have a natural tendency toward shyness, and what irritates me the most is when people who initially meet me comment on my outgoing personality
. It upsets me because I am NOT extroverted or outgoing by any standards, and I don't believe that I am.
How did I get over the shyness? I didn't, but I think that I've learned hot to present myself as outgoing and assertive. I still believe I am shy
.
What allowed me to become assertive since that is what a doctor needs to be, not necessarily extroverted or outgoing, was getting older and being forced into an environment that fostered and required assertiveness. It wasn't until I became a teacher where I had to fully take charge of these kids and direct them. It was either I was eaten alive due to my shyness OR I had to assert myself and prevent myself from becoming insane.
Getting over shyness overnight does not happen. It took a few years of aging and maturing to be able to assert myself. I recommend that you expose yourself to an environment where you are forced to be assertive, where being shy is NOT an option (i.e. high school kiddies for me
)! It is uncomfortable at first, but until you face your fear, which is what shyness is, then you will not be able to go over it. I think being in a situation that requires assertiveness in order to get the job done will help you become more assertive. It automatically rolls over into your personal life. Yes, the sad part is that it takes time. It didn't happen overnight for me, but maybe you're a quick study
.
Good luck! I know how tough it still is for me, despite how others perceive me as being anything BUT shy
. Yes, it deeply upsets me to be perceived as outgoing!
