Social anxieties compound loneliness
DEAR ABBY: When I was a teenager, there were many times I made things awkward. It continues today. I try to have normal conversations, but when I do, I have nothing to say, so I keep quiet and walk away. I feel like the odd person out each time and like I’m not good enough.
The only time I’m successful socially is at work because I’m kind of forced to be. I really want to make friends and possibly get a girl in my life, but it’s almost impossible to do with my social skills. I’m almost ready to quit trying. I need some tips and guidance. — Frustrated Guy in Fairbanks
DEAR FRUSTRATED GUY: If you think you are alone in having this problem, you are mistaken. The majority of people have the same insecurities you do. No one is born knowing how to be social. Social adeptness is a skill. It can be learned and polished until it becomes second nature.
You don’t have to be handsome to be well-groomed. You don’t have to be brilliant or witty . Part of being social is showing an interest in other people. Ask them about what they think and encourage them to share their interests and opinions. And be a good listener. Cultivate your own interests, and you will have something to talk about.
My booklet “How to Be Popular” contains tips on how to approach others and what to say when trying to make conversation. It can be ordered by sending your name and address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds), to Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mt. Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included. Don’t read it just once. Keep it on hand for reference because it contains many helpful suggestions about how to be the kind of individual others find interesting and attractive. Be courteous and show kindness to others. If you do these things, you will find the results you’re looking for.
DEAR ABBY: Iwasdivorced three years ago. My ex-wife and I had spent the previous 10 years in counseling. I go to post-divorce counseling, and my counselor agrees that I was mistreated by my ex and our adult children, who treated me more like an employee.
I have begun seeing a much younger woman, and two of my kids say any relationship with them is predicated on my dating someone “my own age.” I feel it’s a continuation of them treating me as a servant. My counselor suggests walking away for a bit, to establish new boundaries. Your thoughts? — Butler
Dad in Texas
DEAR DAD: I think you should listen to your therapist.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www. Dearabby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.