Hey Elyscia! Welcome to RPC, and Balmung! I'm glad you took the plunge and introduced yourself.
There has been a lot of really great advice in this thread already, so I'll just add one quick tip that has helped me overcome social anxiety both in roleplay and in real life (as I am quite shy myself!): Go out and do things with others. Don't just sit around a tavern where your sole objective is socializing. When there is another activity to concentrate on, you'll feel less like the focus is on you, and there is less pressure to be socially entertaining. The focus shifts outward instead of inward. I find I'm most socially comfortable when I'm at practice, or volunteering. And it works for roleplay too! Get in on those IC dungeon runs, and roleplay while you fight your way through. Find an adventuring partner for questing. Or invent roleplay activities: invite someone to go on a walk around Limsa Lominsa restocking lantern oil. I dunno. Many possibilities!
Whatever you do, I hope you are able to break out of your shell a bit, because there are lots of people around here who are looking for friends and would love to get to know you!
There has been a lot of really great advice in this thread already, so I'll just add one quick tip that has helped me overcome social anxiety both in roleplay and in real life (as I am quite shy myself!): Go out and do things with others. Don't just sit around a tavern where your sole objective is socializing. When there is another activity to concentrate on, you'll feel less like the focus is on you, and there is less pressure to be socially entertaining. The focus shifts outward instead of inward. I find I'm most socially comfortable when I'm at practice, or volunteering. And it works for roleplay too! Get in on those IC dungeon runs, and roleplay while you fight your way through. Find an adventuring partner for questing. Or invent roleplay activities: invite someone to go on a walk around Limsa Lominsa restocking lantern oil. I dunno. Many possibilities!
Whatever you do, I hope you are able to break out of your shell a bit, because there are lots of people around here who are looking for friends and would love to get to know you!
The great way is only difficult for those who pick and choose.
