Saturday, September 08, 2007

(insert title)

“When I speak to someone, I usually get nervous and uncomfortable. I talk very fast, mumble my words and stutter. I don’t talk loud enough for others to hear, so I’m constantly repeating myself.”
“I egotistically take other people to be noticing and criticizing my behavior much more than they probably do. I set excessively high standards for myself, expecting a smoothness, quality and ease of interaction that a nonshy person wouldn’t dream of expecting.”
“When I was younger, I was very quiet with strangers and in social situations. I was a completely different person when I was with my family and friends. I have a great sense of humor and a lot of personality that seemed to disappear in public. Today there is an ongoing struggle and inner badgering during social situations.”
“Life is hell, when you cannot even talk because of fear of saying something dumb.”
“When I was younger, people thought I was stuck-up, and they didn’t like me. That hurt a lot.”
“A couple of years ago, I had gum surgery. I found this prospect less nerve-wracking than going to a party that was held at about the same time!”
I finally started reading a book I purchased since the beginning of last semester. I read a good number of books (for me who doesn't usually read except for when BW gives me a bag full of books and I want to hurry and finish them so I can return them) last semester on the bus. I just couldn't read this one though cuz I'd feel embarrassed to be seen in public with something like that. The name of the book is Shyness: A Bold New Approach by Bernardo J Carducci. He has a "Ph.D." typed after his name so I'm guessing he's a doctor of some sort. Anyways the above was the first thing that caught my eye when I opened the book. He says that no two shy ppl are alike and everyone experiences it different. Funny I can relate to all of the above though each is from a differnt person. Aside from that there are quite a few interesting things he wrote about pretaining to shyness and what makes a person shy. He says if one can pinpoint the cause of their shyness they can work on becoming less shy and more outgoing in most cases. It's just a thought and I'm not sure if it'd work or not but I think if I worked on my shyness I wouldn't have a problem speaking arabic...
Gosh, I suddenly feel really tired (Last week's hangover from getting up so early to catch that bus) I'd love to sleep away today, unfortunately my annoying sister has other plans. I'll have to go and get in a few minutes now before she wakes up!

3 comments:

Bookworm said...

Hm..I can remember when I used to STRONGLY relate to what was said..I can also remember vividly how nerve wracking it was, just going to school, meeting new people amongst other things. A crisis every single day.

Being able to pinpoint the causes of one's shyness seems logical. If you know the reason, then at least, you'd be able to work on the solution, right?

I've known you for a several years now, and I think that you've already begun to change - inshaAlla you'll overcome shyness =) Wish ya all the best.

Anonymous said...

I also used to be able to relate to everything that you quoted from the book, but I don't think that anymore. Though I think that would be an interesting read! I do have the tendancy to think certain things, but not from shyness but lack of confidence ;)

But I guess thats more or less pinpointing the reason for my own shyness?

So how about you! :)

El Hazard said...

I've been thinking about it.. it's a bit embarrassing to say, but I always get this feeling that people won't accept me. I think that is the reason for my shyness cuz it's usually the thought in the back of my mind though sometimes I hear it louder and clearer than other times.