So i'm a socially awkward teenager...

[Reundlovu]

Can you people please tell me how to overcome this?(would especially help if you were socially awkward before)

[Bmble_B]

The only way to overcome this is by getting out of your comfort zone and talking to someone. Just try to approach someone at school by simply saying "Hi, what's up?"

[ImCoolBeans]

The only way to overcome this is by getting out of your comfort zone and talking to someone. Just try to approach someone at school by simply saying "Hi, what's up?"

This may not be what you want to hear, but Star Dust is right. The best way to overcome social anxiety is to step outside of your comfort zone, even if they're baby steps, to show yourself that it's really not so bad.

The word anxiety implies irrational fear, so social anxiety in itself is irrational. You have nothing to worry about, and if you do choose to step out of your comfort zone, you'll come to see that there is nothing to worry about :)

[rightmeow]

Yeah i understand you, because I have the same problem. It's hard for me to interact with people and especially to get acquainted with them. That's why I use different sites like this one https://kovla.com/datings/us/tallahassee I really feel confident when I talk to someone online. Thanks to such sites I've made new friends. You should also try it.

[DoodleSnap]

As stated above, facing your fear is really the best way to get over it. Try to look at the situation logically and rationally, and think about what it looks like from the other person's PoV. Make it a casual exchange, and you will see that they are not nearly so bothered about the situation, and you have no need to over analyse and stress out. I used to have more issues with social anxiety, but just being a leader, and throwing myself out there and telling myself that others are not bothered was what helped me. Also, from a physiological perspective, try wiggling your fingers and toes, as it gets rid of adrenaline, and find somewhere private beforehand to stand big: legs and arms wide apart and high in the air, like a starfish. Good luck.

[CreativeUsername]

I was socially awkward because I liked a girl, but like everybody else has said, you just have to take the first step. I just became friends with her and that was the first step.

[ashdyn]

I'm pretty much the anti-socially awkward person but my cousin has pretty much cornered the market on socially awkward and I've pretty much made it my mission to help the socially challenged in any way I can.

The two main things I've noticed that are at the root of social awkwardness are lack of confidence and inability to pick up on social cues/clues. Unfortunately for you, there's no guide on how to get either. Everyone is going to tell you to just do it and put yourself out there which is right but try making friends with a social butterfly. They'll usually help you a lot. If anything they'll just force you out of your comfort zone lol when it comes to social cues...just pay attention. People get nervous and they forget to listen because there's this internal dialogue in their head and by the time they get back into the conversation they've missed all the opportunities to pick up on all the little hints they can find. Don't think about what you're going to say next. Listen then formulate a response.

Also try a trendy wardrobe change and/or hair-do. One of my friends just didn't know how to dress himself at all- which led him to having no confidence - which led to his social awkwardness. Don't be someone you're not but try to find your style and refine it. When you look good, you feel good. Good luck!