I am new here...

[ttmb8]

I have always been a fairly bubbly, very shy until you get to know me and am comfortable, happy, "go lucky" kind of person. And this year I switched schools and I think it has caused those traits to fade away. So a bit of a backstory: I had gone to the same, very small, private school for 5 years. And this year I switched to a much larger public school. My expectations weren't extremely high, but I was hoping to have made some fairly close friends within the first month or so, but that is not the case. And I think this has taken a toll on my opinions of myself and others around me.

My thoughts are never clear, I can't tell if I am overreacting about something or not, I have started to think that everyone secretly hates me and I just feel like I don't know who I am anymore. And sometimes I think there is something wrong with me and other times I am completely in denial.

I am torn between wanting life (people, events, emotions, etc) to come to me or for me to chase it (which I find much more difficult based on me being introverted). I keep thinking that once I am where I want to be and doing what I want to do that everything will be better, but my patience is running out. I have thought about going to counseling but haven't mentioned it to my parents or looked into it seriously...

Thank you for letting me vent! I hope everyone reading this is doing well!

[RaSena]

Have you thought about talking to the guidance counselor at your school? He/she might be able to group you up with like minded students. Entering a new school where friendships have already been established can be hard, but I am positive that there is nothing wrong with you. Hugs, high school isn’t easy - show up with your head held high and let your bubbly spirit fly, you will attract the people who are supposed to be in your life.

[ttmb8 in reply to RaSena]

Thank you very much! I like that quote a lot!

[Hopeful-Tinkerbell]

Have you tried joining any clubs or sports etc? I was very shy but I played sports. It got me on a team. That’s how I met most of my friends. I never had really close friends much though. You could even try signing up to tutor people. There is always someone who is behind you. One on one it’s much easier to talk. There are clubs for everything! Music, robotics, most subjects, drama, chess etc. You could talk to your school guidance counselor who can be a great help to you! Volunteer to guide new students and show them around. They are anxious to meet people as well and would be happy to have you. A part time job after school is alsoa good way to meet people. You have to communicate at work. Just add some humor to the conversation. Prom set up or committee. So many options. As long as you keep focusing on your school work any of these could be good. If your not athletic they need water girls/boys, ball girls/boys, mascots etc. Get involved and you will get friends. I’m much older and I just got a job part time in a gas station close to home so I could meet people. #1 you are not alone! We are here to help! Journaling can be helpful as well. In the cafeteria you will not be the only one sitting basically alone. Promise. Just walk up and say is this seat taken? Like all you need is a seat. Then to yourself but outloud make a joke about the food. Once someone laughs you are in! I know how hard it can be I lived it. The school even told my mom something was wrong with me because I was a loner and didn’t make friends easy. I had friends out of school. A girl from my neighborhood. Just not in-school much. Sports helped me. So many options. Talk to your counselor. I’m sure they can help.

[ttmb8 in reply to Hopeful-Tinkerbell]

Thank you so much for your reply, and congrats on your new job! This year I had gotten my first job at a daycare center (unfortunately I had to quit because I kept getting sick) and was really fun. I will definitely try to get more involved.

[Hopeful-Tinkerbell]

One way is just telling someone you like something they have “I like your top! Did you get that near here?”

[RaSena]

I hope today went better, I was thinking about you!

[ttmb8 in reply to RaSena]

Thank you very much! Today was better!