Hello, dear question asker!
We all go through similar things as we grow and learn, don't we?
I really hope you can accept yourself, sweetheart. I'd be absolutely delighted to go over it with you, and I really hope it gives you a little inspiration.
1. We all know people in different ways.
You say, "I used to be super-super introverted, didn't like to talk, but something happened in high school that forced me to become lively and cheerful." It's totally normal to feel nervous when there are a lot of people together!
That's just because people are different!
We all have different preferences when it comes to social situations. Some of us love being in the thick of things, while others feel most comfortable on their own.
There's no such thing as a good or bad personality, my friend.
It's just that some folks tend to overstate the advantages of an extroverted personality.
In real life, when it comes to relationships with other people, extroverts who like to express themselves are more likely to fit in with the group and make friends more easily.
But that doesn't mean being introverted is bad, sweetheart.
It's so interesting how our personalities are shaped! It's a combination of 80% genes and 20% experience.
We're all different, and that's a wonderful thing!
So, if you want to get to know your own amazing personality better, it's a great idea to start by understanding the different ways people can be. For instance, introverts are often more thoughtful and independent.
And remember, your personality is not set in stone.
We can also act very differently in front of different people, and that's okay!
So, there's absolutely no reason for us to feel that our personality is bad.
2. Learn to love yourself, just as you are!
Acceptance is a process of gradual change, my friend.
We can learn to accept ourselves just as we can learn to accept the current state of things. For example, I don't accept myself, but I'm learning to accept that.
This is also a process of acceptance, my friend.
It's okay to accept what you think is bad, like feeling nervous or scared in a crowd.
It might be helpful to try to find out why you have these emotions.
It's totally normal to be afraid of negative comments from others. We've all been there!
Or maybe you feel a little isolated from them and worried that they might hurt you?
It's worth asking ourselves: apart from keeping their distance from you, are they really not hurting you?
Let's explore this a little bit together.
Some of these things we make up ourselves, and they're not true.
It's probably just our own subjective feelings, brought on by fear or a constant feeling of being separated.
If you feel a bit uncomfortable, why not try shifting your attention from yourself to your classmates?
It's totally normal to feel a bit nervous when we're focusing on how we look to others. It's only natural!
You can tell yourself, "I'm not the center of attention, and not that many people are paying attention to me," and you may feel a little more relaxed.
All we have to do is give it a little try!
When we accept that we'll be nervous or flustered, we can focus on developing the part of ourselves that we want. For example, we can slowly stay within the group, even if we don't speak, without feeling uncomfortable.
The good news is that the key may be as simple as letting go of all those negative thoughts we have about ourselves.
We all have our limits. It's okay to not be able to do something.
It's totally normal to feel less confident in social situations and to be afraid of being hurt.
It's not about comparing yourself to others and feeling like you have to be able to do something just because someone else can.
3. Try to nurture that little child within you!
I'd highly, highly recommend the book Parenting Your Inner Child to you.
We all need to live our true, authentic selves!
Instead of pushing yourself too hard, try to be kinder to yourself.
It's so important to learn to know ourselves and affirm ourselves, rather than criticizing ourselves.
It's so important to see the child within ourselves and slowly give the inner child a sense of security and worth. This can really help to solve many problems.
Please, just share these ideas!
Warmest regards!


Comments
I can totally relate to how you felt during high school. It's tough when you're pushed out of your comfort zone, especially when it feels like it's against your will. Over time, I've learned that it's okay to be who you are and not force yourself to change completely. Embracing my introversion has made me more comfortable in my own skin.
It's really hard when you feel out of sync with those around you. High school was a time of trying to fit in for me too, but I found solace in my studies and a couple of close friends. College is different; the environment is bigger and more diverse. It's okay to take your time finding where you belong. Sometimes, it just takes a bit longer to find that right group or activity that clicks with you.
The feeling of being an outsider in a group can be overwhelming. I used to get anxious in social settings as well. What helped me was focusing on activities that I genuinely enjoyed. That way, when I did engage with others, it was on terms that felt authentic to me. Maybe exploring new hobbies or joining clubs that align with your interests could help ease some of that discomfort.
I understand the unease you feel around certain groups. It's important to recognize and respect your feelings. Not everyone needs to fit into the same mold. Finding a balance between stepping out of your comfort zone and honoring your true self can be challenging, but it's also a journey of selfdiscovery. Surround yourself with people who appreciate you for who you are, and don't rush the process of finding your place.