I don’t think I was awkward, but I was definitely shy. I improved in two ways: 1) Self-help books. I read a lot of them in my 20s. You name it, I read it. 2)

I don’t think I was awkward, but I was definitely shy. I improved in two ways: 1) Self-help books. I read a lot of them in my 20s. You name it, I read it. 2) Pushing myself to try out what I learn in the books again and again. Whether it was body-language stuff, or how to build rapport when talking, how to appear more confident, etc I tried it all. It was always on my mind. And essentially I faked it till I made it. I often pushed myself to interact with strangers when it wasn’t necessary. Saying a few extra words to the checkout person, telling someone you love their jacket, always smiling in those interactions, etc.