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In my experience, the best way to attack social fear is to face it. Part of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (which is used for various psychological conditions, including anxiety) is exposing yourself to the things that you fear. I once had a bit of anxiety when talking to women. So instead of packing up and going home, I forced myself to risk talking to every girl I saw. After about a month of work, I could talk to women and men I just met with ease! So here are some exercises you can do today to help gain confidence talking to everyday people.

1. Banter with service-people: waiters, waitresses, grocery checkers, bartenders. They are paid to be NICE, so take advantage of that. If they ask you how you are, tell them the truth… but keep it POSITIVE. Telling people your problems without proper rapport will make them feel uncomfortable.
2. Look people in the eyes when you speak to them. Do not look away.
3. Lock eyes with people you see when walking down the street. Don’t look away. Smile, say hello, and that’s it. Keep walking.
4. Give a compliment.
5. Do something nice, just for the sake of being nice. I had a nice conversation with someone at the grocery store when they said I could go in front of them (I had less items than them).

Go out and try these experiments, and share your results with us or others!

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