Question Time :)

[bridder01]

Hey there! Brian here! I figured I would throw a question out there and see what happens

I have been socially phobic almost my entire life, going back to when I was a small kid. I've never been particularly good at breaking the ice and feeling at ease around others. I'm also not the best when it comes to small talk. So, my question is: What is an easy way to break the ice if you're socially phobic, or 'awkward' as it was called when I was young? I'm getting better at it, but I don't really have friends in real life and I live in a place where meeting others can be problematic at best.

The best response will receive a hearty handshake and a 'WELL DONE!' at the earliest opportunity.

Your friend,

Brian

[b1b1b1]

I think the best way is to join a group of people that you will see over and over, perhaps on a weekly basis. This can be a physical activity group, exercise group, class, group therapy, church, club, political group, etc.,etc. If you see the same people over and over on a regular basis, the ice will gradually become broken without you having to make a big effort. It just occurs to me that there may be groups for people undergoing cancer treatment.

[bridder01 in reply to b1b1b1]

Thanks b1! I'll look for those support groups in my area 😀

[Hidden]

When I was agoraphobic and homebound I would watch tv while doing something else. Like making a puzzle or playing solitaire(the old fashioned way) or even brushing my dog. I wouldn’t really watch it I would listen to it while I worked. I think listening to it hearing the way people talked helped me with small talk. My mom gets angry at me when we go shopping because I strike up conversations with all kinds of people.