Overcoming Your Nervousness
DON’T think, everybody is watching me and listening to me.
DO recognise that people are too busy living their own lives to notice you all that much.
DON’T think that people remember when you make a mistake or say the wrong thing.
DO recognise that people take others as they find them. They prefer us to be like themselves so that they feel at home with us.
DON’T think they will expect you to be able to talk brilliantly about all available subjects.
DO recognise that it is much more important to be a good listener, and that people will enjoy talking to you if they have your attention and interest.
DON’T assume that not feeling up to it should stop you going out socially.
DO recognise that nervous symptoms, like headaches and dizzy spells, can be an excuse to avoid doing something which frightens you. The way to overcome your fear of going out among people is to stop avoiding it --- and go!
DON’T think about yourself all the time, or how you look, and whether people like you.
DO recognise the importance of thinking about other people and things outside yourself.When you are so interested that you forget to be nervous.
DON’T think you are a special case, the only nervous person there. There are plenty of others.
DO recognise that all of us are nervous on occasion. Take your mind off yourself by watching for this in other people, and trying to help them.