How to talk to boyfriends family?

[Anonymous]

I’m very shy and have a lot of social anxiety. It’s becoming a problem for my boyfriend and his family. I moved a few states over to start working for them about three months ago. My boyfriend and I have been dating for a year now. I barely say anything, but I’m not sure what to say. I love his family, I’m just very quiet. They feel rejected that I don’t talk much at all. What can I talk about? How can I get to know them better? Any activity ideas? It’s important to me, my boyfriend, and them that they know me well. How can I combat my anxiety? It cripples me. Any advice helps. Thank you.

[Truthbewithyou]

Have you tried therapy? You could be holding on to moments that are hindering you from coming out of your shyness.

My advice is to figure out what you like to talk about. Find subjects or things you could go on and on about that you enjoy talking about. This will help you when conversing.

Also, get in the mirror and practice. Practice with your friends, family, and boyfriend too. Make it a habit to converse more and more each day.

[Asker]

Yeah I want to go to therapy... just so expensive. I’ve been trying to think of topics of conversation to start talking to them more. It’s just difficult for me because I have no idea what to talk about lol

[Truthbewithyou]

You need to think of topics that you like to talk about. Topics that you can go on and on about. Use the people around you as practice to converse and learn how to socialize better.

[undet29]

Ask abiut their lifestyle... what you did on your first dates with your boyfriend? Thats the samething. Be you and its gonna be all right.

[Asker]

I just don’t know what to ask his parents and grandparents. I feel like we don’t have much in common since our ages are so different.

[undet29]

The first time i was at my girlfriend i did the same... but i turned the tv on and talk about news subjects and the conv kept going on about random stuff... it is an ideea...

[Sevenpointfive]

i don't like this question. if you're feeling uncomfortable around your boyfriends family after a year then somethings wrong

[Asker]

I have a lot of anxiety and I barely ever saw them until about three months ago because they lived states away.

[Sevenpointfive]

that's a tough one. i have no advice but i do wish you luck. the more you do something, the easier it gets -- is what people say?