[thescanman]

If I'm ever to get over this anxiety stuff, I need to get back to the basics, and it starts with greetings.

I almost NEVER say the first word when seeing someone. I always let them speak first. If I have to ask someone a question, I approach them until they look at me. There's someone I work with who very suddenly approaches me and starts talking to me without warning. That usually starting me, but that coworker is startling for other reasons. I won't get into them now.

On the contrary, I'm more of a conversation starter online. I usually initiate e-mails and facebook messages. That's mainly because I'm not contacted very often. I need to be needed.

[hello317]

I almost NEVER say the first word when seeing someone. I always let them speak first. If I have to ask someone a question, I approach them until they look at me. There's someone I work with who very suddenly approaches me and starts talking to me without warning. That usually starting me, but that coworker is startling for other reasons. I won't get into them now.

On the contrary, I'm more of a conversation starter online. I usually initiate e-mails and facebook messages. That's mainly because I'm not contacted very often. I need to be needed.

This is me too. However, if I have to ask someone a question, I would ask. I don't approach them until they look at me. I find that I almost never called my friend. It's usually they call me. Or I ask them where to meet on the internet. I feel more comfortable talking online too. coz it's not too obvious even there's dead air. I also get plenty of time about what to say if I didn't know how to react on certain questions.

[the crow]

You're actually far more fortunate than you realize.
There are people who stutter so badly, they can never converse easily, under any circumstances.
It is a nightmare that only those who stutter can know.
I am probably more fluent now than fluent people, but I spend half a century being barely able to speak at all.

Not to say you don't have difficulties with dealing with people.
But remember how bad it could be :)
Gifted, young and fluent!

[Longdove]

If I'm ever to get over this anxiety stuff, I need to get back to the basics, and it starts with greetings.

I almost NEVER say the first word when seeing someone. I always let them speak first. If I have to ask someone a question, I approach them until they look at me. There's someone I work with who very suddenly approaches me and starts talking to me without warning. That usually starting me, but that coworker is startling for other reasons. I won't get into them now.

On the contrary, I'm more of a conversation starter online. I usually initiate e-mails and facebook messages. That's mainly because I'm not contacted very often. I need to be needed.

Likewise, I'd rather be approached, than approach, kind of my way of knowing if the person comes with some olive branch in the hand in a way. It's not always universal, since there are bad intentions sometimes, but it lets me know a lot for their first try.

[Introvertigo]

I have a hard time knowing if someone has noticed me standing there, unless they make eye contact, then I'll smile and say "hi." But often I have the feeling that they've seen me, and for some reason, they're not looking at me and saying "hi." I don't want to bother someone if they haven't noticed me. On the other hand, if they have noticed me and still don't look at me and say "hi," is it because there's something wrong with me? These are the ridiculous mind games I play with myself. So this is what I've decided--
1. If I notice someone there, I'm going to assume THEY'VE NOTICED ME TOO.
2. And I'm going to look at them and say, "Hi", even if they're NOT making eye contact.
3. And I'm NOT going to say it in a small, tentative voice, I'm going to say in a strong, friendly voice, "Hi there."