Originally Posted by
chiefsfreak4life
I think you need to find topics to talk with people that you enjoy and feel comfortable about. Basically ice breakers to start conversations. Sports, Movies, books, music. I can talk people's ears off, if I have simular interests. I have problems sometimes actually making eye contact and smiling at new persons, which makes me seem dis-interested, but really a throwback to my shyer days. At work, I am pretty outgoing, but because I feel comfortable in my surroundings.
Keep your chin up and keep trying. Start small. One thing that does help me, is not worrying about if they other person likes me or not, I like myself, so it makes me confident.
I don't know your age, but I do think as you get older, it becomes easier to talk to strangers, because as you get older, you usually become more comfortable with yourself and more confident in yourself.