For a couple of years, I've spiraled into a deep depressive state but recently I've gotten better. But because of the time I was depressed, I now realize that I have characteristics of a hikikomori - never leaving my room except needed, little to no social interactions, no passive skills and I absolutely don't want to worsen it. I tried to make friends both at school and online but I could barely held up a conversation and I either didn't know how to reply (I think it's because of due to my social knowledge/awareness), zone out, stutter, saying things that I thought are related or just awkwardly smile/chuckle. But then I got friends (kinda) that could talk smoothy and click with other people without any problems and when I asked them: "How'd you talk so smoothly?" , they responded with "Dunno, just went with the flow" and such. Online, where most people felt more comfortable with having social interactions, I personally struggle a lot too. I also find it hard to find the correct thing to say, the right tone to speak in and at the same time, I tried really hard to not piss the other people off but I still don't have any valuable relationships. When I look for advices online, they are mostly vague or can be boiled down to "Just have more social interactions" but I find that so ??? Like how can one make more sociable and meaningful interaction when they have little to no social skills and friends that are comfortable with!!
>>34072580A tip about having more social interactions, you can do it anywhere. You go to a store, go for a walk, go to a library. The thing with stores that's easiest for beginners is the person there has to talk to you (this also applies to services like a doctor, mechanic, etc) - you can get good practice there. Just ask how their day is going, you can segue into other topics if they're receptive. Keep it about them, people like to talk about themselves. If they're not interested that's fine. You're just out of practice, you need to learn the flow of a conversation, you need to understand body language and non-vernal cues. Those come with experience
>>34072595Thanks for the advice!! I'll take it into consideration the next time I go to a store and such but I'd like to add that in my country, you don't go around talking and greeting other people unless you know them, or at least it'd make it much less awkward. However, I've been to Canada before and I get that starting conversations with strangers is much easier. Nevertheless, I'll try to do my best
>>34072644I don't know where you're from and I wouldn't know the customs, but it's all about putting yourself in situations where you can work up the skills, they're called social skills for a reason, because just like any skill while some people have a more innate affinity for them than others, they're still a skill. You got rusty, find any type of "safe" situations you can in real life
