Learning to Speak Up: My Battle with Shyness as an Adult.

Honestly, I would say I’m more of a shy and reserved person, especially when it comes to public situations. I tend to get really uncomfortable in crowds, and it gets even worse when there are a lot of girls around. I don’t know why, but it feels like all the confidence I thought I had just disappeared. It’s not like I don’t want to socialize or make new friends — I actually do — but sometimes my shyness just holds me back.

Over the years, I’ve approached several girls, trying to start conversations or build some kind of connection. But I’ve noticed that I struggle with things as simple as making eye contact or expressing myself openly. It’s like my mouth wants to talk, but my brain starts overthinking everything. That fear of being judged or rejected just gets in the way. To be honest, it has affected my adult life, especially in terms of relationships. Most girls seem to be attracted to confident guys — the ones who can joke around, flow naturally in conversations, and walk side by side with them without feeling awkward. But that’s not really me. I’ve come to accept that I move at a slower pace when it comes to opening up, and that’s okay, but sometimes it feels like a disadvantage.

My shyness hasn’t only affected my relationships — it has shown up in my academic life, too. Presentations, group projects, and any kind of public speaking make me so nervous. I remember a presentation we had in class about two months ago. As I stood in front of everyone, I could feel my voice shaking, and my hands were literally sweating. I had prepared well for the topic, but the fear of standing in front of people made it hard for me to express my points clearly. I couldn’t even look my classmates in the eye, and that made me feel like I wasn’t giving my best. Moments like that are really frustrating because I know I’m capable — I just struggle to show it when it matters most.

These are things i can't run from, so I’m learning to improve. I remind myself that growth doesn’t happen overnight, and I don’t need to change who I am completely — I just need to become a better version of myself. I’ve started speaking more in smaller groups, and I try not to avoid situations that make me uncomfortable. Also, i try to go to different social gatherings that have been organised in my school, and i make enough effort to relate with different people. Being shy doesn’t even mean I’m weak — it just means I have to take a different route to get where I’m going.

Thanks for reading.

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