A very socially awkward person needs your help

[toocool]

Hi. I have been a social misfit my whole life I am one of those guys who sit quietly in a corner in a party or in a gathering thinking that if he opens his mouth, he will say something stupid and everyone will laugh at him. This coupled with my ideas about my looks has made me an introverted socially awkward person

I didnt use to care about this. But some months ago, I met this girl who I like very much and would love to go out with. But she is very social and outgoing and she is very conscious about what her peers would think about the guy she is going out with. I moved to Canada from a South Asian country 8 months ago whereas she has been here most of her life and for me, it's very natural that I would not fit in her social circle. I dont even speak English like her... But at least I would like to try. I would really really appreciate if you guys help me out.

In general, my problem is that I am terrified about interacting with people. For example: at my work, if there are people in the kitchen, I would not go there because I am afraid I'll do something stupid while trying to open a can of coke or something. Also I dont like parties and stuff where you have to meet random or new people and start talking with them. I just would not know what to talk about. Also information about North American culture and etiquette on meeting new people and eating out will be great.

Thanks for reading through this.appreciate it

 

[Joolin]

One of the most important things i've realized over the past few years in regards to social anxiety is that most people aren't as put off by awkwardness as it seems like they would be. There are some people who really have no tolerance for awkwardness, but those people are not worth interacting with, since that kind of attitude is typically a sign of the person just generally not caring about other people and treating them like dirt. It may seem like kind of a paradox, but one of the best ways to overcome social anxiety and awkwardness is to accept yourself as being socially anxious and awkward. If you allow yourself to just be awkward and understand that people know that you are and don't mind, you'll find yourself behaving much more naturally and comfortably. What weirds people out is when an awkward person tries too hard to not be awkward. It is obvious and doesn't work. Some girls actually find awkwardness kind of endearing too!