Do you ever wonder if the person you think you are is how others perceive you? For example: I was very shy when I was younger. I felt what I had to say wasn’t important so I didn’t talk. I learned that instead of seeming shy, people thought I was stuck up and “too good” to talk to them. It’s not about caring what other people think. It’s about how we form connections, display emotions, etc., as a result of the person we show to others.
I have a similar experience…i was shy when younger and still so. You remind of a job i worked in my 20’s, eventually i became friends with a coworker who told me: “I never thought we’d be cool - you seemed so snobby when you first arrived”
I’m truth, i was the exact opposite…i was shy. Unfortunately, i haven’t learned or got the courage to change that.
I hope you will find the courage. It pays off!