Amelie,

It took me a LONG time to come out of my shell..a lot of practice and a lot of patience..but it was the simple fact that I was sick of being in everyones shadows..the fact that I was sick of feeling like a nobody..if I was or if I wasn't..I FELT like I was..and I was determined to change that. How..well..to be honest..its a long story..and I don't want to hijack your post..but it is possible and there is hope..BUT..there also is not anything wrong with being who you are...as long as you like who you are..I just didn't..and obviously you don't either..
One thing I do want to mention is that I think you are trying TOO hard..you are sweet, pretty (I saw your pics too), sincere, caring, and soulfull woman..you are trying to hard to make a man come to you..its almost as if you think you must HAVE a man to be normal..does that sound right? I know you want a man..who doesn't..I always did..but once I found my self confidence..I loved being independant too..when you stop looking..and learn to just have fun with life..men are going to come flocking..