Hi girls, I am the total opposite of shy. But I have other challenges in life. I think whether you are shy or have some other challenge you wish to overcome the trick is practice and before you know it you'll be a changed woman So perhaps start small, have some friend over to your house where you feel comfortable and practice speaking up. Then you can extend that to attending social functions at your friends house with some people you don't know that well. Find the least intimidating person there and strike up a conversation with them. Even if you only get to "hello" it's a start. I'm sure you'll find that most people start talking back to you after a smile and and a "hi" and will be friendly especially if you are a a mutual friends house.