How do you open up to new people? Or just, people, parents? To save myself from myself? To be comfortable talking with people, expressively?

[Anonymous]

I have become a really closed person. I don't know when it started.

But it has hampered and made losses to me on irreparable levels.

So, just how do you open up to people? I really need to be able to be comfortable with people.

[Anonymous]

Is there a reason why you feel closed off with people? Like did you have a bad experience with expressing yourself to others? There might be underlying causes of these feelings

[Asker]

I was preparing for IIT JEE exams. I am from India. We need to give IIT JEE exam to get into engineering.
I lost my confidence during that preparation due to the class pressure, failing grades, and partly my parents pressure too.

I got into a good college. But pandemic came and I could not socialize through onlone platforms as easily as I did in my 6th semester, during offline semesters.

[Opinion Owner]

Sounds like you’ve had a bad time, and the pandemic didn’t help. Maybe just start small and work your way up. Simple interactions can help. What about social clubs and things? Are you able to join or have friends to go with you to meet other people?

[Asker]

I like to go for a walk daily in the evening. But that is all by myself. I do have friends. But those friends live in different locations, completely. They are my college friends and hence come from different places. I do speak with them, but I don't have any friends around me.

I grew up with other kids and those kids are staying in other cities. Hence, I do not have specific friends. I talk with shopkeepers and all, but with no one of my age, 21. That is the problem.

I have joined a coaching class for higher studies. I had the option of online study, but still I chose offline classes because I need to talk with someone. I think that is an improvement.

[moonpie89]

Just start taking. Share a relatable story or fact when someone says something. Don't overthink it.

[Anonymous]

Gradually and cautiously.