How to combat being labeled "insecure or shy"?

Hi.



As a kid I suffered from severe social anxiety. This has lingered on along with PDD-NOS. People around me have always seen me as the inscure or shy guy. And because of this I'm sure this view will never change. Basically I hate it when people label me like this. I am developing and becoming more assertive every day. But " once labeled -always labeled". I guess this is a fundamental psychological principle.



How can I break out of this and chalange peoples labels of me? And why do people label others?



Thanks,How to combat being labeled "insecure or shy"?
With you people probably want to label you because it helps them understand who you are. And they think that it helps them connect to you. Not realizing that for you labeling is a stigmatizing bad thing.

Most people label others to help them understand why a person is the way they are, and connect to them better. Or to explain that person to others.like "Oh well so and so is shy...(being able to leave out so feel sorry for them and be their friend.)"



I think to break away from this label, you will need to work hard on your self and evaluate your current relationships, and also consider future ones. Many people base their opinions of others on their first impressions. So if you are cool laid back but still outgoing when meeting others, this will help others see you for you and not your "social Problems"



Good Luck I hope this Helps.
you need to be comforable with yourself first. just say to yourself that you are the greatest person there is and when you think that of yourself, people with think it too.

and maybe try getting on some medication for anxiety and depression.

just be comfortable with yourself and you will become confident and outgoing and people will see that.

hope i helped :)How to combat being labeled "insecure or shy"?
I was shy as a kid too, how old are you? you'll probably grow out of it. You have confidence as a kid, it goes down in the growing up into an adult/ finding yourself stage, and it all comes back even stronger as an adult bc you have more wisdom then. In the mean time do, think, and enjoy all the things that make you happy and ALWAYS remember You could Never Ever make anybody else completely happy bc most of the time they are not even happy With Themselves. :)
I strongly reccommend you go on www.socialanxietysupport.com



You can talk on the forum with people sharing your problem and who have experience.



Talking isn't as easy for some as the people here make it out to be.How to combat being labeled "insecure or shy"?
OK well "why do people label others" is a whole 'nother question that everyone could go on for hours about, so I'll just answer your principle question which is how to get rid of that label you've acquired. that's easy. TALK. even if you feel uncomfortable talking to people, you're not going to get out of that label if you don't talk.
Oh, that is an age old question.. Basically, the answer is this;

People have a tendency to label everything and everyone, sort of to categorize, and make things around them into niches, that fit their world of acceptable or not, lesser or greater than their perceived value or worth.. and, the more they can assert to make themselves more than, they get a superior feel..

rotten for the rest of us who get labeled...

but, remember this.. a label can't stick , unless you allow it to!

It's all in the glue..

One day we are the same person as we are the next, until or unless a "label" is placed on us..

I feel no different, speak the same, act the same, so what's the big deal?

If we believe WE are that label given, now that is a problem. the label doesn't define us, we do.. Not even others.

If we were all carbon copies of each other , i'd hate to live in that world.

i use to look up to an aunt of mine, thought i wanted to be like her.. popular, pretty etc. then found out years later she was a real jerk..

i am glad i am me!.. It taught me something too.

the package we present to the world , any of us, is that.. all wrappings.. it is the heart and soul that is truly important.

i have met some wonderful people, who had elephant man's disease, and other challenges in life.. they are the most powerful, and sweet people i have had pleasure to be friends with.. i don't judge the wrapping.. i see their soul..

look into your own, what are you giving, projecting to the world and your self?

I have a brother who is a genius. but, he doesn't make wise choices and has gotten into all kinds of trouble..

i liken it to the scripture that goes something like "an though they were learned , they were not wise"..

Be the best at what you feel a passion for, live your life, not live it by someone elses'..

that is the best.. I have had all kinds of panic attacks, and disorders growing up.. but, i really grew up when i shed the ideas of others on me, and grabbed life as my own.. fighting back the labels given..

i am happy and see life so much better now..

you too can.

good luck and happy life to you..