The Lifeworks Group, Inc.

By Matt Sandford This two-part series on how to increase one’s social skills and confidence in social interaction is a companion piece to my article on Shyness, Social Phobia and Introversion. Part one proposed the need for trying new approaches in terms of social interactions, offered some places to look in making new friendships, and then provided strategies 1 and 2, which were I Don’t Know What to Say , and I’m Afraid to Initiate . Here are the final three strategies. 3. What If They Think I’m an Idiot or Something Worse! We now have to consider the seemingly unpleasant prospect that someone does respond poorly or rudely or belittles you or your opinion or comment. There’s no getting around the reality that there are insensitive and small minded individuals in this world who are self centered or just plain mean. However, I think it helps to remember that if someone like that has a poor opinion of you, it actually says more about them than about you. You see, everyo...

  By Matt Sandford In a previous article I provided some tips for sorting out the differences between shyness, introversion and Social Anxiety Disorder. This is a companion piece meant to offer suggestions for addressing the skills of the person struggling with shyness. I believe it can certainly be helpful for those who identify as introverts or those struggling with SAD as well. Let me explain here something specific concerning introversion. Unlike shyness and SAD, introversion is a personality trait, and therefore the goal - my goal - is not to change it. No one’s personality needs to change in order to be fulfilled and be their best self. Our goal should be to mature, to grow. We may need to become more comfortable with whom we are, but we don’t need to change our identity. Maybe you need to understand and discover your identity, but that’s not changing it. My desire is to provide some helpful skill development, but what that means is simply developing and honing y...