Hi afterrain, I think you start just saying "hello" or "hi" to neighbors or people you meet in your area or at work. If you notice something about them that strikes you especially, it would be nice to compliment them. I saw a lady at the store one day, didn't know her at all, but her hair was fixed beautifully and I complimented her on it.

I was shy as a young child; but as an adult, I'm not at all afraid to talk to people in the line at the grocery store or wherever. (I do avoid people that talk to themselves though. LOL) I do have one shortcoming on this; as having watched a very outgoing nurse friend...she can get strangers into pretty long conversations, mine are brief from 1-5 minutes at the most. Often I do initiate the conversation. Joining groups at church, clubs is another way to get to know people better.

I think sometimes due to shyness, folks don't put themselves out there enough to meet others...it's too bad as there are lots of lonely people in this world that needs a new friend. It's really not to hard to do this and make new habits of speaking to others. Most of our interaction came through habits of peers/parents...if they are shy, we tend to be also. Consider it as breaking an old habit.

Hugs, bj

If you attend church, that is another place to meet folks.