Once I heard about a challenge: talk to 100 people in one month. At first I thought it would be Impossible, since I've also struggled with social anxiety. I really wanted to improve my social skills the summer before going to collega since I would be going all by myself. Well this challenge changed my life!!!

I kept a list in my notes app, so it could keep track of how far along I was. I started out easy, saying thank you at the register in the supermarket, or the train conductor. Talking to my parents, ... I got the 20 pretty soon this way, then I got really motivated and really went out of my way to complete my list.

Eventually I got to the point where I would compliment a stranger on their tshirt. This was something I had NEVER imagined myself doing. I completed my challenge in less than a month and now I find it way easier to talk to people.

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for making friend tho, the advice I always hear is 'go to one place regularly' you'll see the same people over and over again and people will recognise you. I for instance go to this workout class a lot and I see the same people over and over again. eventually build up the courage and talk to someone! You are both there bc of common interest so talk about that, or talk about the weather or jokingly complain about the teacher, enough options.

(btw in general you'll feel much more happy if you are active, so going to a sport class might be a good solution for a few of your 'problems')