DEAR ABBY: From time to time you print a letter about overcoming shyness. I would like to share some wonderful advice my mother gave me many years ago.
As a teen-ager, I was desperately shy and dreaded school parties and dances. One day my mother said to me, "You know, dear, being shy is really being selfish. You are spending too much time thinking, 'What kind of impression am I making? Am I saying the right thing? Do I fit in?' The next time you go to a party, instead of thinking about yourself, look for someone else who seems shy and make an effort to talk to that person."
It worked. However, my life didn't change overnight, and there are still times when I walk into a roomful of people and my heart pounds. But now instead of standing alone, I reach out to someone who is also alone. I've made some wonderful friends that way -- and I overcame my shyness. -- ROBIN SKONE-PALMER, LAS VEGAS
DEAR ROBIN: Your mother was not only wise, she had keen insight. I suspect she understood your shyness so well because she had experienced the same feelings in her youth. My compliments for sharing her wise counsel. I'm sure it will go a long way in resolving the problem for many people.