Social Relationships

 I crave connection but have always found it excruciatingly difficult to make friends because I am extremely shy and struggle to know what to say to people. Conversations, even one to one, especially in loud or busy environments can be tricky. At times, I find socialising exhausting because there is lots of internal and external processing to do. Often, my low self-esteem, anxiety and rejection sensitivity has led to me withdrawing socially. I have also been bullied for my differences. I find it easier to communicate with people online since there is more time to process information and there are not additional pressures of understanding body language, facial expressions and tone of voice. I have often felt disconnected and lonely and it has been difficult to find people who genuinely understand. However, in recent years, I have formed some beautiful friendships which I hope will blossom for years to come.  

• Practice talking in front of a mirror. 
• Create a mental mindmap of ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘where’, ‘when’, ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions (ask open questions). 
• Use social media as a tool. 
• Find things you have in common with others.
• Join a social group/online forum. 
• Know what you will do when out with others, who you'll be with and when you’ll start and finish activities.
• Socialise for a short period then give yourself downtime.
• Be yourself – the right people will accept you for who you are.