text: how can i be less shy?   there is no direct way to answer a question such as this.  the most basic was to go about losing shyness is to gain a certain self-confidence about yourself.  this can be obtained by starting with one thing about yourself you consider truly unique and benifical to others.  then focus on this thing.  use it to your advantage in social situations.  people will accept this part of you, and if they happen to reject you, just continue to believe in this peivce of yourself until you find a group that deems this quality socially acceptable. of course, i am sure that you have more than just one truly great quality about yourself, and stive to learn all of them.  it is is knowledge of ourselves that we gain knowledge of others.  and, it is in knowledge of others that we gain love for everything.