How can I become my drunken self when I'm sober?

[Anonymous]

When I'm a bit drunk or tipsy, I become chattier, more lively, more fun, carefree and generally happier.
I feel like there's a barrier in me when I'm sober.
How can I be my drunken self without alcohol?

[noamazia]

ah, the holy grail or introverts. i have some bad news. there isn't much that can be done except hard work to get yourself in a right state of mind.
alcohol tares down guards/walls in our mind, makes us more relaxed. we don't think 'what if' or 'should i', or at least think of it much less, and thinking less makes us act more on instincts and feeling rather than on thoughts. and not questioning ourselves is essentialy self confidence. so, you need to work on being comfortable as yourself. its hard, really hard. i got to the point where i can be chatty with almost anyone but i still can't be truly comfortable and say everything i want or be completely carefree with strangers. even more so if i need to dance and stuff like that.
you might be able to "reverse engineer" it. try getting tipsy but be serious. think about what you say, and try to act sober. maybe you will understand better how alcohol affects you specifically and work on that.
hope that helps a bit.

[Asker]

Thanks, absolutely helps. I didn't think it was related to my introversion but good point.

[megabamse]

Exposure therapy. You just do it til it becomes more comfortable. Also the most important bit is to not care what people think of you. The second most important bit that sort of is the same is to don't take anything anyone says personal. Just enjoy life.

[Yucy_Gluttony]

Ooo this is interesting. Maybe trick your mind. Before I go out dancing I've been listening and dancing in my room for one hour already

[Asker]

That's a good idea, thanks!