Need some tips for appearing more friendly.

[Ocds_]

I have always struggled with social anxiety, and because of it I feel like people think I'm very unfriendly and rude. In fact, the issue I'm struggling with is that when I would go to one of my friends houses for a party, I would just try to slip in and not be noticed by anyone. His relatives actually complained about me and asked why I never personally say hello to each person. Now every time I walk in I say hello to each person but it feels completely awkward. In my family I even feel awkward when I have to say hello to everyone. I feel like when I was little it was like "oh she's shy how cute" but now that I'm older and obviously lack social skills, everyone gets mad when I can't function normally and think I'm rude and unapproachable.

It's summer so there's a lot of social outings and parties, does anyone have any tips to make it easier to look friendly, say hello and overall just not feel like I'm doing everything awkwardly?

[Fishmanpa]

Smile :D

Positive thoughts

[dobbiemaster]

just tell yourself today i will do this and see how it works... pretend to be someone else in your mind if that helps. if you MAKE yourself talk you will see how much of a difference it makes

[Bee84]

Like fishmanpa said smiling is definitely a sign of friendliness. That's always noticed! Explain that your family does things differently next time? Do you like them honestly when you think about it? Don't work on appearances that's a waste of time. Be friendly if you mean it. I despise parties and I now can tell people around me that I'm an introvert and all that... life's too short to go doing things you hate.