I'm really socially awkward...

[rockNroll]

So I was wondering if the infinite wisdom of VT could help me with this...
I'm a really socially awkward person. I don't ever open up and talk to new people unless they start talking to me first, because I just don't know what to talk about or what to say. I don't really have any real 'friends', just acquaintances that I can't have meaningful conversations with, just sometimes hang out with. I think part of the problem is I'm subconsciously afraid to offend people, and if I talk a lot to people I get the feeling they don't care about what I'm saying.
I know what's wrong with me, but don't have the slightest clue where to start to help myself.
Anyway thanks for reading this, can anyone help me?

[joshtheguitard]

Hey man, I'm about the same way. Only reason I have any good friends is because I'm a very jocular kind of person. I like to joke around and be funny with people. Of course when you do that, there are people who think I'm an OK person and people who just think I'm plain weird. But I'm okay with that. So...just loosen up a little. Hope I helped any.

[Dimentio]

Well i am the exact same, Wait for people to come to me and i do not have no friends no more :( But i kinda just started making friends on the internet, And i occasionally stumble upon ones who stick with me and they help me through life, Like when wakl outside and i am more open to come outside now, I actually walk with my head up a lot more! :)
So try finding nice people on here, Share your troubles in life, And one step at a time you can both help each other with that issue like what has and what is happening to me :)

[wattado]

im the same way i lose all my friends and stuff but it gets better idk how to really help i just wanted you to know your not the only one who has to go through it so you arnt alone :)

[Stronger]

I am also the same way, I now have hardly and friends and I expect people to talk to me first then the other way around, usually you talk to me first and we can be friends, in an instant but sorry to say I dont know how to exactly help but again you are not alone.

[Kdude146]

I am same way I only have a few close friends in real life and then so many online friends that I can talk to for hours and hours but I am going to start taking the risk and talk to someone new

[TheMightyBruce]

Hey it definitely takes time to develop these skills...the method i found best for it was to be put in a bunch of situations that force you to talk to people..in my example...i joined a frat...you dont have to do something like that but allowing yourself to build up the social skills and sense that it really isnt as awkward as you think will help

[Fruit_Tart.]

Just try and make conversation with someone that you really think will listen to you. Once you start talking and getting out your opinions (whether or not you think they'll offend anyone) and people will start to notice you. Talk about what you like to someone or just overhearing a topic about something you like, just start talking with them and see if they'll talk to you. If you get into talking to just one person in class or somewhere you go everyday I'm sure you can get them to notice you a lot more than you think.

Make yourself noticable to the extent you want to be noticed at. You'll do fine. Do what you think will make yourself talk and be notice. :D

Best of luck. :)

[Invincible]

Hey man. Defs not. I've been through tough times - times where I couldn't pick up the phone to talk to someone. Times I didn't even have someone to call a true friend.
Many of us are shy and often afraid to start talking to someone. It's tough for me up till today - very much so in trying to find common interests or something to 'break the ice', or get the other person into conversation.

I'll say, many of the people I know are none more than acquaintances. They make no effort to bother. It saddens me sometimes I guess, but time goes, we're all busy and well.. :(

How I made many of my closest friends I have today (and my other precious half ;)) were from forming groups of people with common interests. Heck, I love food and cooking, and that's how I met my girl (very long story that one..). It's difficult but once you meet someone you can trust, open up. Be more straightforward and learn to see things a little more positively.

I guess this is something we all spend our lives learning. There's no shortcut or straight definite answer.

You aren't socially awkward. You're one of the many I'd say.

Last words I'll say - be yourself. Don't go out of your way to fit in. Just don't be awkward :)