Dear John Da:

My answer: courage. Talk to another person even though you are afraid. Start small, just one little verbal exchange with another, ask him or her a simple question, listen for an answer and respond to what they say in a friendly way, a short verbal expression. Take deep breaths before, during and after.

Then, take a long break afterwards, not initiate any more talks with others and congratulate yourself for that one time that you did initiate a talk.

The next day, or the next, initiate another small verbal exchange, breathe through, take a break, congratulate yourself. Over time, with a very gentle attitude toward yourself, and with a lot of patience- you will build confidence in yourself and proceed, over time, to make friends.

anita