How I did it: I have severe social anxiety disorder (SAD), so I find it hard to talk to people at the best of times and, because of a series of particularly rough times, I lost all the friends I had. I found that a great way to get up off the ground is to start by branching out online. Online friendships may seem fake to you, but if you suffer SAD you quickly realise that online friendships are invaluable when it comes to practise; it's easy to detach from them, and at the same time it's impossible to try to mindread. It's like quitting paranoia cold turkey. It was almost traumatic to begin with, but it gradually grew easier as it equipped me with skills I could easily apply to the real world. Also, if you're really lucky like me, you might meet some truly wonderful people who you actually want to keep in contact with. :)

Lessons & tips: You don't need to be able to go up to people and introduce yourself out of the blue. There are plenty of people in the world who have that kind of confidence who will jump that hurdle for you if you let them. Be approachable. Smile at people! Don't sit there with an iPod in your ears and a book in your lap. Lean back when you sit, don't slouch forward. Walk with your shoulders back and chin up.

Resources: I attend a psychologist, but of course you won't need that unless you suffer SAD, too. I never read anything on the matter; it's all common sense, and it works.

Jul 08, 10:25AM PDT | 4 comments | 9 cheers