Hello,

I feel that I'm socially awkward and I realize that most people don't feel comfortable talking with me and that includes people in Church, sometimes people avoid me. I'm not coped with social skills and I can't help it. I guess what adds to the social awkwardness is that I'm shy and I went through difficult time for the past 4 years and I'm healing from a lot of emotional pain but slowly. When people avoids me in Church especially holy people, I usually condemn my self to hell thinking they avoid me because they see my sins through their spirits and I feel that God is telling them to avoid me because I have no hope for salvation (Basically God is telling them to shake the dust off their feet from me) and I'm a bad fruit. Please pray for me.

Hi CC!

First, you're not "bad fruit". You are creation of God and a wonderful one at that!

Learning to communicate easily is no easy task! I highly recommend taking a speech course at a local college or finding a professional coach to help you in that area. Dress is also important - it need not be fancy but one needs to be clean, wear clothes that fit, and tuck in the shirt and comb the hair (those sort of things - which you probably already do!).

In the meantime, nothing works so well as to ask questions. Ask simple ones, about the weather, about where people live, about what they like and don't like. It breaks the ice and helps form a bit of a relationship that can lead to friendships.

As to healing from past bad experiences, nothing works better than prayer and patience. And prayer need not be lengthy if your current life does not allow the time. Ten minutes once or twice twice a day is an excellent start.

You will be in my prayers!

John

Keep this in mind. St John Maximovitch, your avatar here on the Forum, had a very bad speech impediment, and was very difficult to understand. One had to listen very closely when he spoke, and even then, it was impossible at times to understand him.As a matter of fact, he tried to get out of being consecrated on the basis of his impediment. He was unkempt in appearance, with his riassa often torn and wrinkled, and even when he served, often his mitre would be on crooked and his vestments disheveled. Yet, despite all this, he became probably the greatest saint of the 20th century, and fearless in the face of adversity.

My advice is to find one person at Church and become friendly with them. Listen much and say little. Good people will see your inherent goodness. Pray to St John every day. He will help you.

You are in my prayers, my friend.

Aleandr

Being social is one of the most daunting tasks for a human, I believe.

I work in a low level, face-to-face, customer service position and you'd be so shocked to see how many social/verbal faux pas both I and those I interact with make each day during each interaction.

People aren't analyzing you. That's one thing I really had to learn to tell myself. It takes so much practice to be socially graceful, so don't be too hard on yourself

Prayers, may the Lord comfort and strengthen you in mind and spirit...

Praying that the Lord open your eyes and help you to see yourself in the light of His love.

peace and blessings...

Prayers for our brother, Chad, that he may realize his own strengths and value and be granted confidence and the necessary social skills to feel at ease and succeed in his life

Prayers and love for Chad...Peace be with you!

Sweet, Sweet Jesus pour forth your grace on Chad that he may walk with his head high, knowing he is made in Your image and likeness, with your beauty flowing forth from his heart, that he is at peace with you and your people on earth.

Thank you everybody for your prayers. God bless you.