New Introduction Area

[feedback]

We thought we'd add an area where new members could say hello to everyone and leave a brief message about themselves.

[elle92]

`LOL. I hate doing this in person. I am Elle.

Nothing used to make me more nervous than being in a room full of strangers and having to stand up and introduce myself. What can I say? I am the poster child for what happens when shy children are not helped. I once sufered from severe, generalized social anxiety. All through school I never said a peep. I had all the physical symptoms of anxiety. The squeezed throat, the butterflies.

Growing up and having to make a living, I started faking extroversion at interviews to get the job. Once on the job I reverted back to type. My boss has wanted to fire me because I wasn't "visible" enough. No, I am not a gadfly at all. Though I am only mildly shy now, can hold conversations, etc. Even ask a question in a meeting if I have to. I still don't go out of my way to socialize at work. I sit at my desk mostly. It's less anxiety, and more not having the advanced social skills to go into offices chatting up people. I still don't really know how to make friends or ask new people out for coffee and that sort of thing. I really have no friends to speak of. I didn't make any in grade school, high school or college. I have three what I would call close friends, but they don't call me. Even after I call them.

My significant other is very outgoing and has those social circles to rely upon. I envy him. But, at the same time, I don't know that I would want to feel pressured to attend every social function that comes along. He never turns down anything. LOL.

Still, it would be nice to have a crowd.

[hpytbhr]

.i was a lot like that too when i was growing up. still don't like big crouwds, and am still pretty shy but ive ended up in some situations in life where iv'e had to step out and be more outgoing other wise i wouldn't be here today. its not that i don't like people, i do. i just prefer them in small doses. if your significant other respects you for who you are they won't pressure you into being who you s
't. however you allso have to make an effort to step out of your comfort zone on occasions to make your relationship work. i have found that to make that relationship work you have to figure out what functions are important to your significant other and push your self to be with them there. although i can't help but wonder sometimes, if there isn't some resentment there. thanks hpytbr