I Need to Work Harder...

Published by Yamiookami in the blog Bloggy-ookami. Views: 230

I still need more work on being more outgoing. Tonight taught me how like my old self I still am. A friend from work added me on Skype and immediately tried inviting me into a 4-way conference. The suddenness made me panic completely and decline. He asked if I had a mic, and I said yes, but I tend to decline sudden calls, so he called again. I panicked again and declined, saying I couldn't really talk right now, which at best was a half truth. This happened about an hour ago and I'm still a little short of breath when I think about it.

I need to find a way not to lose my cool at sudden and unfamiliar things, but am currently at a loss as to how.

[video=youtube;WJWRu7QF2Hw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJWRu7QF2Hw[/video]
Jul 18, 2012
  • Dilly Star
    Dilly Star Jul 18, 2012
    I thought of an interesting video game analogy here.

    So, zombies are scary, right? And they come in hordes. Fighting them alone is too hard, so I grab my friend and we take care of them together. Maybe you could try that, only don't smash anyone's head, and they won't try to eat you. Maybe you could try to take comfort from the fact that you're entering the situation with a friend. Being introduced often helps, too.

    It's not really the same, I know, but usually the other people will be nervous (even though they don't show it) when they meet someone new. I used to be terribly shy, until I realized I could do something about it. I went over the top, learned as many social nuances as I could by paying attention, and then I started jumping right in. I would laugh loudly, give hugs, and be excited about things other people would say.

    It can be hard, but by jumping in, I was able to challenge myself, and get over (part of) my shyness.

    And for some reason, Skype calls stress me out more than just meeting someone. I don't know why.
  • Yamiookami
    Yamiookami Jul 18, 2012
    Yeah! Same here! I even get nervous when I get a call from some of my EP friends (no offense, guys). When I meet new people face to face, I don't panic or get filled with fear. I feel awkward and silent, yes, but not really scared. nothing like this anyway.
  • Rarit E
    Rarit E Jul 18, 2012
    It's because you can't see their faces and you just hear unfamiliar voices through your headphones. If meeting people face to face isn't a problem, maybe you could try webcam calls?

    I can't speak from experience though. I never use the call function on Skype XD. It's not that i don't want to, it's just that i think it's pointless when you can just as easily message people.

    If anything, i just feel awkward talking in a different language.
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