How to Overcome Social Awkwardness

Many people suffer from social awkwardness. Many attribute the awkwardness to shyness, but there are a select few who experience social anxiety, a psychological disorder characterized by a general fear, dread, or even paranoia of social situations. Whether you want to simply overcome a little shyness or you experience social anxiety on a regular basis, I hope these tips will help you to overcome your social awkwardness and give you the boldness to let the world see what you have to offer.

Introductions
Introductions can be scary for everyone, regardless. But there are a few things you can do to lessen your stress. First, remember that everyone wants to be liked. Introducing yourself to someone who does not appear to be interacting much with others might be like throwing them a lifeline. And introducing yourself to someone in close proximity might put them more at ease. So, how should you do it? Are there any special words? Is there a secret handshake no one has told you about?

Quite simply, no. There isn't a formula to introducing yourself. But, generally speaking, be sure to keep a pleasant, interested look on your face, look the person in the eye, and offer a greeting of some sort with your name. More than anything else, you need to be aware of timing. If the other person seems rushed or busy, it's probably not the best time. But if they seem bored or engaged in some laid-back, low key activity, it might be a good time. While this skill might take time and a little risk to develop, you are quite capable.

Conversation
Now that you have introduced yourself, what do you do next? Do you bring up some lame general topic like the weather, or do you divulge your life story, or do you try to crack a joke? Again, there is no singular formula for the next step. It depends on the context, the environment, how the other person responds to your introduction, your mood, and a host of other variables.