Elisha,

You open up to people, but you don’t necessarily trust them. Forming relationships and bonds is in itself a kind of game. You put on a “mask” (easy-going, thoughtful, positive, bright) and approach another person and try to get to know that person through small-talk. At the same time, you try the best you could to keep your own “mask” on. After a few conversations, you form an opinion about that person and then you decide whether or not you want to make friends with him/her. The key is to never give in to your emotions.

If you feel that conversations are awkward, that’s because you still need practice. Don’t be afraid of the mistakes you make. Because you can always renew your image by saying something good in the next conversation with another person/same person.

And remember, keep on practicing…