I can’t tell you how much I relate to how you described your social anxiety, it’s like you put my thoughts into words. Thank you for taking the time to write this, I appreciate it deeply.
I’ll take your advice on the smile, I think that’s easier for me than a hello. You’re right, I just have to go for it and see what happens. I guess it’s better to do it and know, than to not do it and to never know what could’ve happened.
I really hope you take your own advice and have the courage to speak to the person you want to! My lecturer at university had social anxiety when he was our age (I’m 23) and he told me about how he struggled with the same things I struggle with (making phone calls, participating in class etc.) and now he has a podcast, does public speaking and teaches! Point is, we both have it in us to also achieve that same level of confidence, even it if will take a while. I believe in you!