10 Dec 2008, 5:35 am
It seems, after reading WP and testing many different approaches (basically experimenting), I am actually becoming more successful socially... I've become more assertive and carefree, and as a result my social anxiety and second-guessing myself has significantly decreased. I still (often) find myself in confusing situations, and my shutdowns still occur regularly, but in general things have improved a bit all around.
So my advice to any one of you - leave your comfort zone. Try different things, experiment with people. You can even make it into a single-player game if you want, even earning social experience points! 
Moreover, stop caring what people think. I love this quote that my counselor told me: "What you think of me is none of my business."
10 Dec 2008, 6:33 am
Congratulations!
I'm testing out some things I've picked up from here too.
My friends that I've known for 10 years I'm pretty comfortable with, but others I still struggle with.
I don't get too anxious if I'm too quiet around people. My mind often does wander, but I try to concentrate on people by looking at them and maybe leaning in a bit too close.
I'm glad that it's all working out for you.
I'm going to go out there and get myself some social experience points. 
10 Dec 2008, 11:35 am
["What you think of me is none of my business."
good quote 
