I want to be more outgoing and stuff before I go to college so I can make more friends and stuff. Any tips?
Put yourself in a position where you have to interact with people. Take a class in ballroom dancing. Join the stage crew of your school’s next play. Etc.
Well, for starters, know that there is a place for people who aren’t outgoing. While life is probably more difficult for those who have a crippling fear of social interaction, that’s not true of the typical shy person. Not everyone has to be the life of the party-- lots and lots of people live very happy lives without that outgoing personality.
And know that changing your outlook probably won’t be comfortable. You’re right in your comfort zone now. Changing the way you approach others will be uncomfortable.
But if you’re serious, consider activities that have a built in topic of conversation. Consider getting a part time job, where you’ll be required to speak to customers. Or do volunteer work— lots and lots and lots of places are looking for help between now and Christmas or Hannukah – your church or synagogue would be a great place to start. Consider contacting a local nursing home and seeing whether they need any sort of help… visiting with elderly residents who are thirsty for human contact is probably easier than interacting with your peers.