Dear Ahvoo:

I would say fear, which is what shyness is about, is a very powerful emotion that will stop you from making opportunities to meet women happen. Fear is like a big traffic stop sign. Stop! is the energy-in-motion that is sent by fear.

A competent, caring, hard working psychotherapist can help you a lot, over time, to endure this powerful emotion and act in spite of it, in small ways at the start (this is key, starting small so not to overwhelm yourself). Starting in the context of the therapy relationship, you will open up there, express yourself, be accepted and supported when you do and in so happening, you will be less afraid to approach women, or to open up to one. Always starting small and proceeding gradually.

If you would like, you can share here, on this thread, more about yourself, things you are just a tiny bit fearful about sharing, and I will for one, respond with acceptance of you and support: not negative criticism and rejection from me. You can do that, if you so choose, and we can continue to communicate.

anita