|
Just be careful about using the internet. Yes, it's good for finding special local events, group classes, volunteer work and similar things. But you can also be easily sucked into just idly looking at them and spend too much time picking and choosing. Same goes for anything you see on local and/or national newspapers.
Alcohol, caffeine and other such substances can probably help for a while, but I highly doubt you will be constantly consuming such things, especially when you are with closer friends.
My opinion is that lurkette has the best advice. Ask sincere questions. Have little friendly debates that challenge the opinions of people you talk to. Sometimes, just one statement of disagreement is enough to allow that person to explain further and feel happy you are not just idly nodding your head.
It also doesn't hurt to participate in school classes/activities that force you to speak out, like choir, faculty debates, classes where presentation is required (e.g. business, visual art critique).
Force yourself to start conversations. There is no fixed formula for starting one. It can be "How was work today?" or "The news said [something something]. Did you hear about it? What do you think?" There truly is no easy way to fix this. It is hard work and challenging your comfort zone.
Try not to be so self-conscious. Most people don't realise a lot of the things you spend too much time worrying about. They are more likely to realise that you spend too much time silent while you are worrying instead of things they are unaware of.
|