l0rdtr3k: Yesterday I went to my psycologyst because for the past 5 years I've been dealing with social anxiety and it's something that I want to go away.
She said to me that go with baby steps and asked if I participate in any forum, which I told her about GOG, so she suggested to me that I started reviewing games that I own here.
Unfortunetly, I don't know how to review games. So when I start publishing reviews here or in the game pages, I'll get things wrong or just make a fool of myself.
so yeah, later I might put here my first game review(and maybe my last) about South Park: The Stick of Truth.
But I would also like some advice on how I can open up to people again.
Pardon my amateur opinion but I think your psychologist is full of crap and this is why: Reviewing games is a one-way form of communication. Let's say people end up not liking your review and vote it down, it could make you feel even more anxious than you already feel right now, plus you won't have a chance to ask those people who down vote you why they did it and there is a risk you'll end up blaming yourself and shutting yourself off even more, seeing the seemingly 'failed' attempt at reaching out as validation for not reaching out anymore.
I suggest trying opportunities and ways of communication that are two-way and if possible in real time and in person so you'll learn to be more spontaneous, get used to reading and reacting to body language and not obsess about each and every word for fear that there's a possibility for misunderstanding or downright offense. So the internet may not be the best place to practice reducing anxiety. If you feel overwhelmed by real time offline conversation, here are a couple tricks:
-first of all know this: almost everyone is way more insecure than they let on, especially those that try to overplay it, also beautiful and successful people who you might think have divine confidence are often nervous wrecks.
-imagine that the world outside your apartment is also part of your apartment and all those little humans running around are guests of your house and not strangers. When you feel at ease wherever you are, you (peacefully) own the place and will be less anxious.
-there is no need to stare into someone's eyes just because people say eye contact is paramount, it isn't.
-you don't have to answer immediately or speak quickly, you can take your time. Even if people start getting nervous, loud and demanding, don't let them dictate the pace of the conversation. You be the Time Lord! Unless someone is holding a gun to your head, there is no need to be quick. If you stay calm, they will calm down. If they don't then they are just asswipes and it's not your fault.
-be honest, there is no need (or time) to tell the entire truth all the time but stick to saying what you think and you won't have to worry about 'getting your story straight' or which 'filters' to use for what people. Doesn't mean you go out and offend everyone, as I said the entire truth is virtually never necessary but don't make up stuff or you'll just become more and more nervous
-if you feel intimidated by a person, picture them sitting on a toilet taking a dump. No one looks scary in that position, not even Lord Tywin.
-don't force yourself to go approach people if that is too hard for you at the moment but use opportunities when people speak to you first and try to gradually keep the conversations going on longer than the bare minimum.
Just a few ideas that popped into my mind, there's a ton more stuff you can do, all little things but I think it helps with the big picture.