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By Terrey L. Hatcher

If you’re having trouble meeting people because you feel awkward making conversation with strangers, try some strategies tailor-made for shy people. These will help you get comfortable and conversational.

Give It Some Time
You’re sure to meet interesting people if you donate your time and energy with an organization that does something you care about. Maybe it’s an animal rescue shelter. Maybe it’s a food bank. Maybe it’s a music hall. Maybe it’s a ball park.

Whatever the organization is, volunteering lets you hang around people who have similar interests. And you’ll learn even more about the topic while serving others. In this environment, how can you not have an exciting conversation with people you have something in common with?

Look Before You Speak
If you’re an introvert, then having something tangible to talk about can help you open up with someone new. A bookstore is a perfect spot for that. You’re likely to find books about several of your interests, and you can read bits and pieces while looking around occasionally to see if there’s anyone you might find intriguing.

If someone happens to strike up a conversation with you, you’ve got books in your hands that can spark plenty of interesting topics to discuss. Don’t forget to ask the other person about their taste in tomes too!

Get in the Friend Zone
If you’re heading out to a social situation, line up a wingman or wingwoman. Ask an extroverted friend specifically to help you at the start of the event to make introductions and get conversations going.

A good friend will even drop hints about some of your talents and achievements. Then when you get comfortable conversing, your pal can fly off to meet other extroverts while you take the shy-person socializing to the next level.

Step Out and Step Up
Although these strategies can ease your discomfort during these interactions, they’ll also arm you with more confidence from the start. When you know you have a good plan, stress won’t hit the fan.

Remember, even awkward turtles can win the race if they move slowly and steadily toward their goal. So be brave, get out of your shell and snap up life’s opportunities for love!