| There is often a negative stigma associated with | | | | are able to spot open signals, and at the same |
| people who suffer with shyness. They can often | | | | time project a friendly positive image through |
| be viewed by others as unsociable outcasts with | | | | your own body language, you have a better |
| some sort of mental problem. The truth is, many | | | | chance of success. |
| people experience shyness at some point during | | | | - Make eye contact and smile! Eye contact |
| their lives - even famous celebrities! For shy | | | | projects a positive image and we all know that |
| people willing to take action the problem can be | | | | smiling is contagious! |
| gradually overcome. However, action is the key | | | | - If you want to start a conversation with |
| and the shy person must face up to their fears | | | | someone unfamiliar, simply smile and say "hi" |
| and tackle the problem head on. If shyness is not | | | | whilst making eye contact. For the shy person, |
| addressed at the earliest opportunity, severe | | | | this is the perfect way to start. It will probably |
| consequences to ones long term happiness and | | | | seem hard and daunting at first, speaking to |
| enjoyment of life can result. | | | | strangers, but with practise and experience it will |
| For the shy person, facing up to the problem and | | | | get easier. So, when going about your daily |
| taking action can be daunting. The best approach | | | | business say "hi" to someone new whenever you |
| is to take things one step at a time. This way | | | | have the opportunity. |
| confidence and self esteem grows gradually | | | | - Learn to actively listen. This is harder than it |
| through experience and the shy person is then | | | | seems as most people tend to talk more than |
| better prepared to move on to the next step. | | | | they listen, but if you're shy then this shouldn't be |
| For the shy person that finds it awkward to | | | | a problem! Listening to the other person shows |
| interact with other people, but wishes to make | | | | interest - an important key social skill. |
| more friends and possible romantic encounters, | | | | So, if shy people do not take action to overcome |
| then developing social skills would be the perfect | | | | their shyness they can miss out on all sorts of |
| place to start. | | | | exciting opportunities. Shyness could prevent |
| So what can be done to develop social skills? | | | | them from finding a romantic partner, making lots |
| - Learn how to interpret body language and non | | | | of genuine friends and progressing at work. This |
| verbal signals. Experts believe that the majority of | | | | can have a detrimental effect on long term |
| communication between people is non verbal. The | | | | happiness. However, by working on social skills and |
| shy person needs to work on their own body | | | | facing their fears head on, shy people can |
| language in order to project a friendly and | | | | gradually build their confidence and develop their |
| approachable image. | | | | self esteem to overcome shyness. Developing |
| - Observe other peoples body language. Look for | | | | social skills to overcome shyness will open up |
| open positive signals that show a person may | | | | many exciting opportunities. Remember, life is for |
| welcome an approach and conversation. If you | | | | living so don't waste it - take action today! |