I have a question about work and socialize anxiety how do I overcome it in the workplace how do I be more social ?

6 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 21,2026 at 1:01PM UTC

   Slowly and very measuredly, stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone. Choose a day to go up to someone in the office that you don't know and introduce yourself. Say, "Hello...I'm....., I work in .." Keep it simple and short. Endeavor to do something simple and small and measured, until you can feel a bit more comfortable each day.

2. AnonymousApril 21,2026 at 1:01PM UTC

   Have you seen a therapist? They would probably be able to give you some tips. If your workplace offers an EAP you may even be able to see someone for free for a few sessions.

   Otherwise I see a couple ways to go: participate in a big group social event (if your workplace does them) where you can kind of sit off to the side and observe and not interact much, but you’re still there getting used to social gatherings. Or the other direction, identify someone in the office who seems friendly and make some harmless small talk with them about the weather or a local sports team.

   But I really think that a counselor who can give you some anxiety coping tools is worth exploring.

3. Elizabeth Stiles WestApril 21,2026 at 5:24PM UTC

   Take baby steps. Say good morning/hello to every co-worker you see. If you are new at the job, introduce yourself by saying hi, my name is_________ and I am the new _______ or new in ___________role. Sincere compliments are usually appreciated if they're not too personal; complimenting someone's scarf or jacket would usually be appropriate. Pets and weather are usually safe conversation topics too. If it's a small office and you bring something like doughnuts, people will probably talk to you to thank you.

4. AnonymousApril 21,2026 at 10:22PM UTC

   There are specific therapists that can help you with this.

5. TinveApril 23,2026 at 5:17PM UTC

   This is a fairly common situation, and you are not alone in this. I would start small — don’t try to become “super social” right away, but just add short interactions: say hello, exchange a few phrases during a break. Over time, it becomes more natural. It also helps to prepare a few simple topics for conversation so that you don’t get lost in the moment.

   And it’s also important not to pressure yourself — being social comes gradually, with practice. Small steps and regularity work better here than sudden changes ?

6. AnonymousApril 24,2026 at 11:45PM UTC

   I agree with the advice to start small and take modest steps.

   1)Start by joining groups of co-workers, listening quietly, and getting comfortable with your co-workers’ personalities and styles. If/when you feel comfortable, you can ask simple questions about the topic under discussion.

   2)An easy way to get to know people is to greet them in the morning, especially in the break room. Best to keep interactions light in tone.

   On Fridays: “Any weekend plans?” If they say something specific, you can remember what they said and follow up with them on Monday. Example: How did your son’s baseball game go?” “How was the movie?”

   On Mondays: “Did you have a good weekend?” If they say Yes: “Great! What did you do?” They tell you. You: “That sounds like fun.” You can follow up with another question about what they did or volunteer what you did. Try to keep the conversation positive. If they show no enthusiasm, just mirror what they say and shut down the conversation.

   Example: “

   You: How was you your weekend?

   Them: Nothing much.

   You: Me either. Hope we both have a good week.

   OR

   You: How was your weekend?

   Them: Really boring. I was stuck inside doing my tax return.

   You: That’s never fun. I hope next weekend is more fun.

   OR:

   You: I just finished mine, so I know

   how that feels. Have a great week.

   OR:

   You: I still have to do mine. I should follow your schedule. Have a great week.

   The point is: Keep It Simple. Keep it short. Validate what they say and stay positive.

   If you start doing these simple conversations regularly, you’ll start making friends and moving on to deeper conversations.