-- Posted by outatime at 3:28 pm on June 2, 2008 I posted this in a different section but no one responded I seem to make situations awkward around people I can't stand or don't know.  How can I make these situations less awkward?  I just don't say anything.  I feel as though I make people uncomfortable.  Im fine and will say what ever around close friends but everyone else I just can't open up. -- Posted by Stand Up at 9:38 pm on June 2, 2008 I'd suggest start talking with people you don't normally surround yourself with but know at least a little. Be outgoing and just act like you normally would with your friends. Get yourself out of your comfort zone even if that means being a bit uncomfortable. You need to face the issue in order to overcome it. It can be hard at the start, but practice makes master, so just put yourself out there and start working it. Perhaps you stress about being judged subconsciously and that's why you avoid saying/getting yourself into that type of situations.  It could be a mix of shyness, social anxiety, etc. You don't need to be friendly with everybody, of course you can be a private person, and that's perfectly normal, but as you describe it; it seems like you avoid talking with other people (Outside your friendship zone) and that's not healthy. You need to fix this because it can great impact in your future relationships and life in general. (As human beings we need to socialize.) Is this causing any problems in your daily living? Because if so, you should/could talk about it with a counselor and see what they'd recomend. It's not that uncommon for people to have this type of things, In fact the number #1 fear human have is talking in public. Helpful Links: Link 1 Link 2 Link 3 Link 4 PS: Click the links, you'll find all sort of tips. My inbox is open if you want to talk. :) -- Posted by nikki at 7:17 am on June 3, 2008 It sounds to me like you're shy, but people often feel uncomfortable being around someone who doesn't talk. I think you need to start talking to people more - like iJeannie  said, try talking to people you already know, but maybe aren't very close to already. Another way to try and boost your confidence is to join an activity or club, and get to know people. Charity organisations are also great way to get to know new people, and the fact that you're giving something to society is a great way to boost your confidence. It's easy to talk to people if you trust them, do you perhaps have trust issues? If you're struggling to talk to people you're not close to, it could be that someone's hurt you in the past and therefore you're struggling to overcome those problems. Good luck :)