kitsune_girl, I hope this won't be your last post . Starting off fresh is good, and you seem prepared to look at how you are behaving and change if that seems to be putting people off. You already seem to be in the lucky position that people will talk to you, so it is not as if everyone avoids you, so that's a point in your favour! Now, when people talk to you and you get all nervous and look off into space, is this because you are not sure what to say in return? If so, can I suggest you not worry too much about that? People love a good listener so if you can just calm down a bit and smile and nod, most people will quite happily chat away for a while by themselves. If they ask a question, there is no harm, at first, admitting you are not sure what to say. Shy quiet people make lovely friends, so believe that in yourself. One thing you said though, that might put people off - when people talk to you, you find yourself staring off into space.... try to pull yourself back when you notice that and make eye contact and smile so the talker does not feel they are boring you. Some people, myself included, actually find it easier to concentrate if they can look away every now and then (if eyes are not involved too, means ears can work harder). Most people are not offended so long as they are re-connected with, especially if you comment on something they said. Oh, and here is a tip I was given... if you feel they are waiting for a response, and you are stuck for words, repeat back to them one of the last things they said. You could even make it into a question which will get them talking again for a while . This is actually a technique counsellors use to get people talking, it works . I hope you enjoy your first few days and have fun, kitsune. Please do come back and tell us how it goes, whether disastrous or great!