I am introspective and socially shy. What is a good way to meet people?

I am a fairly introspective (not so much introverted) person. I don't know a lot of people. This is as much by choice as a coping mechanism for me as it is by destiny. (My situation is really more complicated than I wish to go into on FunQA.com.) I often experience symptoms of social anxiety, especially among unstructured groups of people, and there are certain social expectations that people have of each other that I am generally not able to meet. (I have much less difficulty in structured social groups.) I am willing and able to explain those if given the proper opportunity to do so, but I often find that such opportunities are few and far between. "Acquaintances" hold no meaning to me personally. What I crave are relationships that run much deeper than that, but I find it difficult to get there.

Does anybody have any advice for how I could meet more people and cultivate more meaningful social relationships for myself?

Answer:
Don't be so quick to brush off acquaintances, people are put in your path of life for many reasons.My now husband and I were just acquaintants at work for a few years.(both married) Later, we seen each other again, both divorced(both married for several years) and decided to go on a date, the rest is history, we dated 2 years and got married. We thought we had little in common, but found out we are soul mates after getting to know each other, and spending time together. We laugh about it now, because he thought I was'nt his type at all !(tall, dark hair) (I'm petite and blond) We are very happy, married 5 years! You really never know! I would'nt have even went on a date with him, except I'd met him and knew he was a nice guy! Also I want to add that you are placing to much, on what you think other people expect- just be yourself and relax, then people will get to know the real you, and can relate to you better! Remember, be yourself, not what you think others expect!
go online and find if there are other people like this in your area. There are self help groups that can help you in your social skills. also the other people their with the same sort of problem will understand what your going through.
Take baby steps and quit being socially shy.It is 2007 and time to move on up Bro.Get out and get to swinging at the pitches thrown at you.If you don't life is going to creep on by you with enormous speed and leave you in it's dust.Good luck!
I would recommend you find a hobby club. So if you knit, find a group of women who knit, or is scrapbooking is your thing, find a group that does that. All you need to do, is get out more. Sometimes, acquaintances are the ones that are going to be deeper, but it takes time and patience for a relationship to grow like that.
I don't know how old you are, or what your interests might
be. That would've been helpful. But I'm not very sociable,
either. So, I just get out as much as I can and treat every-
one with a sort of subtle friendliness/respect. (Regardless
of whether they're an office exuctive, a college student,
or even a homeless person.)
I think everyone is deserving of at least some respect--
and if you try to give anyone you happen to meet a bit
more than just "the time of day," I thing you'll find that
making friends will follow naturally; gradually, at first...
but it's bound to happen.

Good luck.
go to church and join a small group within the church
Not the internet.

Join a club or group of common interes in your area and try to be more open. When you meet people with similar interests you will find is not so hard to talk and befriend them in meaningful way.
Say hello to every person you pass on the street. It's pretty amazing what it can do,
Network with people online and offline
Meet your network members offline

small addition to what was already said the answer thread :)
The initiative must come from you. If you are in social gatherings (any kind) start meeting a person and talk about certain topic.
Education is the key. Devower as many self help books as you can. For starters go with " How to win friends and influence people", then move onto "The majic of thinking Big". Then make sure you practise the social skills of the books as you read. Small steps in self improvement will lead to big steps. You can over come, if your knowledge and desire match.

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