How do I overcome the fear..

[Jakabella]

There are some awesome BB members that live near me too.. I'm looking fwd to meeting them too!!

[Malyna]

I agree with heaven, fake it until you can do it without thinking... I'm like you - shy to the point of frustration. Plus I'm hopeless at small talk - but I keep trying. Small baby steps lead to giant leaps. For me, I'd just try turning up, then when i was comfortable with that, I'd talk to a few people, then I built up the courage to say "Hello" when i walked into a room full of people. Now I can say "Hello" and i don't mind too much if no one says Hello back.

It's a skill you need to practice - try talking to the checkout operators at the supermarket (hello, how are you, how has your day been? isn't the weather warm/cold/freezing, wish it was summer/winter/spring etc - well that's how I started.

[maz]

There are some awesome BB members that live near me too.. I'm looking fwd to meeting them too!!

and you will hon..when you are ready ...I'll sit patiently and wait for you

I bribe myself....I have to its the only way I can go and do it sometimes. I get petrified and tense...sweats come out to play...and I seem to make an arse of myself..but its helped me change from the turtle that pull's their head in at the first chanch to the person who talks non stop.

Dont expect it to chagne overnight hon...little steps..one date at a time. Build your confidence bit by bit

[Just Me]

I'm exactly the same - I really struggle to meet new people. I have found it easier since I have had kids though because if I am with other mums, we always have something in common and if all else fails, I just ask questions about their kids. I still struggle to do it though, I just find it happens much easier when I do. I agree with Heaven, I think it does get easier with practice and probably a bit of self confidence doesn't go astray either.

Good luck