[Rarishy]

I've been having this problem for a while. I can't even make friends because of it. I just can't get myself to talk to people
I can talk to people I know and have been rather close too for a while, like my parents but as soon as it comes to anyone else I just go really quiet and allow others to do the talking.
If in somewhere like a shop where I need to talk to someone then I'm really quite, like almost silent. In places like my school, I cant talk to people unless they talk to me first.
I can type to people easily as people cant see my name and face, If they can then I act the same as I do in real life.
What is strange is, I can talk easily to people who have the same interests as me. I often go to conventions and have made a few friends there but I can not talk to anyone else. I am often in cosplay at these conventions which makes it slightly easier to speak as I do not look like myself.
My parents and friends have tried to get me to speak to other people but I just can't, I try but it just seems impossible.
Its pretty strange and I don't know what is wrong with me. Sorry if this was long or posted in the wrong place. I just want to know if there is something wrong with me or if there is anything I can do to help me?

[CANDC]

Rarishy, welcome to PC - US is 5 hours behind you so many people are working and going to school. I understand how shyness can be. Sometimes social anxiety is the problem I experience. Here is a forum if you want to see others posts or post about that topic
Anxiety, Panic and Phobias - Forums at Psych Central
there are many social and wellness forums at
forums.psychcentral.com

[sandpiper888]

This sounds like it could possibly be social anxiety, but I do think that some people are just shyer naturally in terms of their personality. Both factors could be at play here, to varying degrees.

It's interesting that you are able to interact with people more comfortably when you're "in character" at these conventions. Are you interested in acting and/or writing? In terms of interacting/networking with people of similar interests and maintaining the friends you've made this way, perhaps you might start some sort of a blog? Write little posts/essays about projects you're working on, other things that interest you, as a way of keeping in touch with these people when you're "out of character?" A lot of artistic-minded people these days seem to use this sort of platform to express themselves, exchange ideas & meet others.

[Rarishy]

Originally Posted by sandpiper888

This sounds like it could possibly be social anxiety, but I do think that some people are just shyer naturally in terms of their personality. Both factors could be at play here, to varying degrees.

It's interesting that you are able to interact with people more comfortably when you're "in character" at these conventions. Are you interested in acting and/or writing? In terms of interacting/networking with people of similar interests and maintaining the friends you've made this way, perhaps you might start some sort of a blog? Write little posts/essays about projects you're working on, other things that interest you, as a way of keeping in touch with these people when you're "out of character?" A lot of artistic-minded people these days seem to use this sort of platform to express themselves, exchange ideas & meet others.

Thanks for the help
I have actually tried acting at my schools acting classes but have not been able to handle speaking in front of others and only lasted a while. I already have a blog which has helped me talk to people of the same interests but I also do not use my real name or pictures of me so that helps a lot.

[pegasus]

Hello Rarishy, welcome to Psych Central.

It does sound like social anxiety. Social Anxiety Phobia Symptoms | Psych Central