Meeting someone unfamiliar can feel uncomfortable when we expect in advance that we must appear interesting and confident. Our attention then goes towards judging ourselves before the real conversation has even begun.
We can ask a simple question, listen to the answer, and accept that the encounter need not become an important connection. There is no need to promise ourselves a major outcome for every small attempt.
If we want to participate in conversations more often, it helps to choose circumstances that suit us. A smaller group or a familiar subject can make the beginning easier. Independence also develops through modest attempts like these, with the right to stop when we have had enough.
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