I have been shy for years, slowly getting less shy. The more confident I get, the more of what I want in life I get, and I still have a long way to go. What I

I have been shy for years, slowly getting less shy. The more confident I get, the more of what I want in life I get, and I still have a long way to go. What I found helped is just going out there and doing those excruciatingly uncomfortable things. Asking boys/girls out, asking for a pay rise, public speaking etc. However you WILL absolutely need some kind of moral support. If friends and family are not helping then go find some friends that will. Get away from negativity from other people that can be holding you back. That is a massive topic in itself. Hopefully you are not dealing with that problem too. A great positive example is Toastmasters. Participate and you will get better at public speaking. It will reduce it from a deathly experience to mild anxiety! More importantly thought the people there WILL encourage you and forgive your for forgetting your lines or being shy or whatever. Keep going and you will get more comfortable and you won't get derailed. Getting some kind of therapist or psychologist to help you can be a good idea. Because getting over shyness is a hard knocks experience and you need this assistance. It doesn't mean you are crazy / mentally challenged etc. It means you are investing in your own personal development. Also to reiterate the point - pick your friends wisely - try to associate with people who will encourage you be more confident. Also having some confident, easy going friends who you can emulate will help. Humans learn by imitation. Pick (or dump!) your partner wisely for the same reasons.