[rwfromkansas]

Thanks. My pastor is an awesome friend (a young guy too in his late 20's). I seem to make friends with adults better than folks my own age. It was weird that in high school, I could stay and talk with my teachers for a minute or more after class, but couldn't talk to kids my own age very well. Anyway, thanks for the advice.

[Jen]

RW, you've already been given some good advice so the only thing I can add is if you want people to think you are a brilliant conversationalist, get them to talking about something they know about and love -- themselves! Ask lots of questions about them and their family and interests. Be inquisitive about other people and they will open up to you and you can begin to form friendships. Look people in the eye, say hello and SMILE! You say you are shy, but act "as if" you are outgoing and be genuinely interested in other people and you will draw them to you. (Oh, and get away from the computer and interact with humans more.) :-) Good luck!

[katnip]

Now you are starting to sound like my son. He is only 10 but gets on so much better with adults than with children his own age.

You are obviously very mature, so you'll have to give the guys time to catch up to you.
The girls will probably be closer in maturity to you (don't tell guys I told you that :-)

Don't get discouraged.

[LurkerNoMore!]

Rw, next time you are on the phone or talking to someone and suddenly can't think of anything to say, remember this: Ask them something to get them talking about themselves.

Ask them about their hometown, high school, if they have any pets, etc... comfortable subjects that will also put them at ease. (they may be as tongue-tied as you!)