Social phobia., How do you get over it? Options

[georgeWIRELESS]

( Excuse me, I'm not sure if this belongs here, so if it needs moved, I'm sorry O.< )

I've been shy, all my life. I've never had more than a few friends, I've never been able to speak up to anyone, I've never been able to ask for help because I was afraid.

I failed a grade once because I was afraid to go to school. I don't know why I was afraid.

I don't have much time left before I'm going to have to start making it on my own, only a couple years, which isn't that much.

How can I prepare for the real world when I'm afraid of it?

If I've been this way all my life, will the future be any different?

My parental units say homeschooling is a bad idea, but I don't think it's any worse than public school. I'd get about as much social interaction in homeschooling, with none of the anxiety. >_____>

The more I'm forced to socialize, the more fearful and withdrawn I become.

Everyone thinks pushing me into social situations is the answer, but it's only made it worse.

Have you ever had social phobia? Do you still? If you don't, what changed?

[DaTru KataLYST]

For others to accept you, you must accept yourself first. I know it sounds really really corny, but it's often true. Self-confidence can really empower a person to get out there and make some heads jingle. =]

How to gain that self-confidence is the question. It can be physical, emotional, or mental confidence. I find that working out and doing some excercise will make me feel better about myself. Same thing when you do good on a test or something at school.

If you're in high school, one good way is to join clubs that interest you. They like the things that you like, which already puts you on common ground with people! Joining a sports team will also help. It doesn't have to be those exclusive sports like Basketball or Volleyball, but it can be cross country or any intramural sport. It's a great way to interact and get to know others.

Well, I hope you learn some stuff and do some stuff. =] Either way you can always come to CB's relationship forum. People are exceptionally nice here.