Advice

I could have wrote this myself 😭

So I was very similar at one point. What I did to start building ny confidence gradually was compliment people when id go out somewhere. Just one person each time you go out, "I like your hair." Or shirt, bag, etc. Start small

Joining a group or event helps break the ice. Meetup.com, Facebook groups for local activities help. Maybe join a guild for common interests. Then you don’t have to come up with too much conversation besides the topic at hand.
I use scripts when I am nervous. Same responses to certain questions, turning questions back on the asker (people usually love talking about themselves and will think you are smart!)
Hi I’m ___, what’s your name? (Offer first if alone).
Nice to meet you. How long have tou (interest/event) ?
Do you work outside the home? Did you go to college for that? Oh where did you go. Why did you go there/study that?

I just had a baby, do you have any kids? How old are they? What did you find helpful when (think of something you’re struggling with a little bit so you show a human side without being too vulnerable).

What brings you here?
What’s your favorite part?
Ask questions until you find something in common. “Oh wow I too ___” just get to know them. ❣️

Im exactly the same and I'm 31. Ive honestly found having my daughter has given me new found confidence and the want to be better for her. I dont want her to struggle with social anxiety like i did so I'm trying my best to bring her up around people and children. She is quite the social butterfly at 9 months old and loves people and children. As mums we want to do better for them and with that we ourselves develop a strength we never realised we had.

Thanks for all the advice! I’ll definitely try to out myself a little more out there! Also hoping when I have my baby it might give me more confidence talking to others!