How to Feel Comfortable in Social Situations

Social situations can be a source of considerable anxiety and fear for many people, especially people who are shy or naturally timid and reserved. However, being comfortable in social situations does not require an extroverted personality or any great social know-how. Social confidence is a state of being that can be experienced even by the most timid and shy individuals. Read on for details!

Things You'll Need

• Self-Awareness
• Open Mind
• Practice
• Truth

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Instructions

• 1

  Don't Try to Compete -- Don't view socializing as a competition. Trying too hard to impress or trying to outdo the next person in a social situation simply turns a potentially enjoyable social encounter into a struggle, a pissing contest. Shy, timid individuals typically approach social situations as if they are make-or-break events. They aren't! Don't make social situations out to be so difficult; they aren't!

• 2

  Lower Your Defenses -- You are who you are. So, drop your guard and allow your true self to shine through in a social situation. The less defensive and guarded you are, the easier it will be to socialize and converse with people. Shy, socially anxious individuals often enter social situations expecting disaster and/or combat. Relax! You just have to be you! No expectations!

• 3

  Be Honest -- The more honest and forthcoming you are in a social situation, the more socially comfortable you will feel. If you are nervous, say so. If you have no knowledge of a particular topic of discussion, say so. Honesty, as is often said, will set you free. Honesty will also help you to become more sociable and help you to feel more comfortable in social situations.

• 4

  Forget Perfection -- Striving to be perfect leads to a lot of problems in life, including social problems. Nobody is perfect; perfection cannot be achieved. Therefore, trying to be perfect (and falling short) can lead to a lack of confidence. Many people try to be perfect in social situations and social encounters, which increases social anxiety and pressure. Forget perfection. Just be who you are. This will help you feel more socially relaxed and socially confident.

• 5

  Focus Externally -- In social situations, take the focus off of yourself and put the focus on other people. This will help you to become more socially relaxed. If your attention is focused on what other people are saying or doing, you will be less self-conscious and timid, which will make you feel more socially comfortable and less shy or anxious.