Hello, I'm Flower.
Could I perhaps quote the original words of the questioner? I wonder if we could discuss this in steps? I think it might be helpful to consider a key to the problem, as well as some new ideas and approaches. It might also be useful to consider examples. Finally, I think it's important to remember that we all love the world.
I would like to extend a gesture of support and understanding to the questioner. I can perceive a sense of nervousness and shyness, which manifests as a blank expression when they are overwhelmed.
I empathize with the questioner's anxiety about socializing and perceive a sense of inferiority complex after comparing their high school days and noticing the difference. It's possible there are other perspectives we could consider in addressing these questions.
If I might suggest, let's first try to identify the root of the problem.
It seems that there may be a negative cycle at play here, whereby the questioner becomes nervous when interacting with others and feels a bit worried and at a loss.
It would seem that there is a difference between how the questioner was treated in high school and how they are treated now in college. This could lead to feelings of inferiority.
The questioner seems to believe that forming connections is of great importance, yet he also feels that his introversion is a defect.
After taking a closer look at these issues, let's explore some potential perspectives.
I am a university student. I have recently developed a fear of saying the wrong thing in front of others. I always speak with trepidation, which makes me particularly nervous when speaking. The more nervous I get, the more likely I am to say the wrong thing, and the more I say the wrong thing, the more I fear saying the wrong thing, which creates a vicious circle. Now, whenever I hear someone speak, I get nervous, and when I get nervous, I can hardly hear what the other person is saying. I can only manage to mumble a few standard phrases in response, feeling very nervous inside. I don't hear what the other person is saying, and I perform poorly when speaking, fearing that others will say that I can't speak. This makes me even more anxious. Going out to eat with my classmates should be a happy experience, but I am always very nervous and find it hard to relax and have fun. It always feels like I'm taking an exam, and sometimes I get so nervous that my mind goes blank.
It would be helpful to be able to recognize when we are feeling nervous and to understand our needs.
The question inquires as to why one might feel nervous, which seems to stem from a fear of saying the wrong thing. It would be helpful to understand what the question asker fears saying and what they perceive as the wrong thing to say.
Perhaps it would be helpful to consider what the appropriate response might be in this situation. It's understandable that the questioner might have felt pressure to perform well in this context, given the expectations that come with taking an exam.
Perhaps it would be helpful to consider the underlying reasons for our fear. Could it be that we are afraid the other person will oppose us, judge us, or not want to be friends with us? Or is there something else at play?
Could you please clarify what the author's real and specific needs are? Are they hoping to get along with friends, hoping that friends are enthusiastic about them, hoping that friends agree with them, or is there something else?
It might be helpful to consider what these anxious, stressful needs are and to identify ways of coping with them. Making friends is about being genuine, and it's ok to take your time. You might find it useful to read the book "Psychology of Interpersonal Communication."
In high school, I was a good student. I believed that if I studied hard, I would be able to navigate the challenges that came my way. I was fortunate to have the support of my classmates, and I tried to be open and engaging with them. While I was introverted by nature, I didn't have the same difficulties I do now. When I got to university, I learned that social connections are an important aspect of life.
Perhaps we could consider the transition from high school to university thinking.
When we were in high school, the main goal of almost everyone was the college entrance exam. As a result, those who did well in school were often admired. However, it's worth asking whether we have to be envied in college.
In college, we have the opportunity to explore our individual strengths in a variety of areas, including financial management, self-care, interpersonal skills, coursework, academic competitions, sports, talents, and more. While it's not necessary to excel in every field, it's important to recognize that not everyone needs to be the best in every area.
One of the key differences between high school and college is the way we compare ourselves to others. Rather than focusing on differences, it's valuable to shift our perspective and look forward to becoming the person we want to be, learning and doing what we aspire to in college.
University is a gradual process of accumulation. By persevering, you can look back at the end of your studies and realize how great you were for trying so hard!
It is widely acknowledged that social connections are of great importance in society. In China, for instance, personal relationships play a particularly significant role.
Could it be that having a lot of friends means you have good connections?
It is often said that the number of friends one has is not as important as the number of people who know them. Could it be that having a lot of friends does not necessarily mean that one has good interpersonal skills?
It might be worth considering that there are many kinds of friends. Some may be just work relationships, while others may be acquaintances. It could be beneficial to have a few close friends rather than a large number of acquaintances.
Perhaps the best way to expand our social circle is to simply try more and do the things we enjoy. If reading is something you enjoy, you might consider joining a book club. Similarly, if public speaking is your passion, you could attend a speaking salon.
If you haven't yet found your niche, you might consider starting with school clubs and student organizations that align with your interests. You can then gradually engage in communication and get to know each other. If you're feeling particularly shy, you could start with a simple greeting like "Hello, I'm XXX from the XXX major in the Class of 2021, and I'd like to make friends with you."
? And I became anxious about being introverted and having few friends, so I tried to be more outgoing and social, feeling that being introverted was something I needed to work on.
Could you kindly shed some light on the advantages of being introverted?
It could be said that introverts are more focused, good listeners, good at taking action, and creative. Many highly successful people, including Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, Pony Ma, Audrey Hepburn, and Haruki Murakami, have an introverted side. Extrovert or introvert, it's just a different personality classification, and there is nothing inherently good or bad about them.
It would be inaccurate to suggest that introverts are inferior. How might introverts go about making friends?
First, we may need to consider challenging the idea that "introverts find it difficult to make friends." It might be helpful to remind yourself that everyone can have friends, including introverts.
If I might make one more suggestion, it would be to try to improve your various abilities to attract friends with the same frequency. You might find that if you do, the butterflies will come.
I hope the above is helpful to the questioner, and I wish you well.
Comments
I can totally relate to how you're feeling. It's like your mind just freezes up whenever you're about to speak, and that fear of messing up only makes it worse. It's a tough cycle to break, but remember, everyone has their moments of selfdoubt. Maybe focusing on building small successes in less intimidating settings could help ease the anxiety over time.
It sounds really challenging what you're going through. I think it's important to remind yourself that making mistakes is part of learning. Maybe try practicing speaking in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend who can give supportive feedback. That way, you might feel more prepared and confident when talking with others.
Your story hits home for me. Sometimes we put so much pressure on ourselves not to fail that we forget it's okay not to be perfect. Perhaps finding a hobby or activity where you feel more comfortable expressing yourself could provide a confidence boost. Over time, this newfound comfort might translate into other areas of your life too.
It must be incredibly hard living with this constant worry about saying the wrong thing. But you know, communication isn't just about words; it's also about listening and understanding. If you focus on being present and genuinely interested in what others are saying, people will appreciate that effort. It's a different approach that might reduce some of the stress.
I admire your courage for sharing this. It seems like the transition from middle school to university brought new pressures that affected your confidence. Remember, it's okay to take things at your own pace. Consider joining groups or clubs aligned with your interests where you can meet likeminded people. This might make social interactions feel more natural and less forced.