Hi Bob,

It sounds like you're taking the therapist thing seriously, which is a good step in the right direction if you think that this is what you need to do. As for having poor self-esteem and shyness in abundance....that may be the case, but I am certain that these are not the only two personality characteristics that you possess. Many people are insecure and are afraid to start up conversations with people, but this does not mean that you are not an intersting person. Don't try too hard to change who you are: if you're shy, you're shy. You can't work with what you don't have so if you're shy, then you have to do the best you can with that. Maybe start out small, like hanging out with your friends more often and being more social. Sometimes that helps. But don't forget to pay attenstion to your other attributes