stop being afraid of people

I used to be afraid of everyone. I’m still reluctant to get into arguments, but not because of fear. When it’s necessary to cross someone, I take a deep breath and just do it, knowing that I’ve survived far worse situations. So, yes. I’ll declare victory here.

until I’m quite sure I’m beyond fearing other people. I think I might be succeeding. I’ve faced down hostile students politely but without blinking, and I’ve asked someone out (without being certain of a positive response). That takes a kind of chutzpah I never had before. But I won’t feel sure of success until I’ve gone through the job interview process without feeling completely crushed. When I was younger, I was easily bruised. Now that I’m over 30, I still hate rejection, but I’ve come to understand that it’s a part of life. Does this ever start to come naturally? I hope it will for me one day.

I’ve been working on this for years . . . it’s coming, but only incrementally. Anyone have tips on how not to care overmuch about what other people think?