My friends often say I seem like an extrovert, but I’m not. If forced into a situation or someone comes to me, I can chat it up. Unless someone initiates first, my ass is staying in the corner, and I won’t say a word. The biggest problem is that I am terrified to approach first. I want to connect and talk to people, but it’s a hurdle I must overcome. Although I may be anti-social, I have improved a long way. I started off being quiet and unable to talk to people I didn’t know to be friendlier and more outgoing.

I have more trouble talking to older people. With my job, there’s a lot of interaction with kids, and often I have no problem. Since I am basically a child in an adult’s body, I have a lot of similar interests and energy to keep up with them. With my coworkers, we can get along without a problem. Again, when put into these situations of forced interaction, I can talk with no problem. But with voluntary, it’s so nerve-racking to talk to people. 

I tried my best to talk to a random person in my class. This was the first semester I have taken with no one in the class. Everyone would be a new face and a new opportunity to make friends. My anthropology class is more discussion-based, so this allowed me to get to know some of my classmates better. Many of my conversations were from after discussing the question and having free time to talk. Although it was a bit awkward and asking standard questions about your major and what year you are, over time, with that established connection, it will be easier to talk to their next encounter. 

With an online conversation, if you did some research, you could find something about the person before you speak to them. I think the great thing about talking in person is you can build a deeper connection with someone. With their growing trust in you, they will tell you more personal things; overall, you just become greater friends than online. Responses might take longer with online conversation, or talks are just not as interesting. In-person just allows you to be in the moment and feel more authentic.  

With more practice, I hope to have more confidence to approach people and make friends. 

But you know… only time will tell