Does bullying cause one to be shy?
View the information and weblinks for social anxiety/shyness, and self confidence, in sections 9, and 38, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris Depression; see section 2; pages R & V, then young women’s depression, first. Here is an exercise that can help you. It is called “Act as If.” When you are in a social situation, act as if you are outgoing. Talk more, smile at everyone, ask questions, speak in a normal or excited tone, not a meek tone. Watch some of your outgoing peers, and imitate the style of their social behavior. (I PRETEND that I’m an ACTOR, PLAYING a PART). Research shows that when you “act as if” continually, your image of yourself begins to conform to your new behavior. In this case, you will gain self-esteem and self-confidence, and begin to see yourself as socially normal, not shy. You will become more socially successful, and this will motivate you to continue your new social behavior until it beco
I was never bullied, but the rest of your story is just like mine. After 2 other careers, I became a teacher. Was very nervous and shy at first, but like you, I recognized that it wasn’t normal. Got to watch a lot of other people and see how they handled different social situations. Eventually realized that I was seen by them as being just as good as them. When I would address a group of people, such as a tour group, I found myself thinking of each person as a friend, and spoke to them accordingly. Took at least a year to become comfortable in the situation I put myself in, (addressing a classroom full of students). Now I’m happily unemployed and sitting home alone for weeks at a time. I love my solitude, and realize that I always was and always will be shy and a loner, but now I am no longer self-conscious when talking with a stranger in a store. Wish I’d learned this 30 years ago; I’d probably be married and happy.
