Venting I am incapable of talking (whether online or irl) without second-guessing everything I say

[SpiteHoldsMeAloft]

It's so frustrating. Idk why I can't just be normal and not be terrified of embarrassment 24/7. I am incapable of saying 'yes' or 'no' to anything, I have to say 'I think so' or 'I guess' or something like that because I am so terrified of being wrong and people judging me for it. Ironically, it makes me sound stupid as fuck, completely defeating the purpose of talking like that in the first place. Even when I'm online, I can't just write my thoughts and post them without spending an extended period of time overthinking what I am about to say. I've been like this for as long as I can remember. It wasn't that embarrassing when I was a young child, you aren't really expected to know things then. As an adult, however, talking in that way makes people perceive me as a very incompetent person, and likely discourages any potential friends from wanting to get close to me.

 

[isolatedl111]

I

It's so frustrating. Idk why I can't just be normal and not be terrified of embarrassment 24/7. I am incapable of saying 'yes' or 'no' to anything, I have to say 'I think so' or 'I guess' or something like that because I am so terrified of being wrong and people judging me for it. Ironically, it makes me sound stupid as fuck, completely defeating the purpose of talking like that in the first place. Even when I'm online, I can't just write my thoughts and post them without spending an extended period of time overthinking what I am about to say. I've been like this for as long as I can remember. It wasn't that embarrassing when I was a young child, you aren't really expected to know things then. As an adult, however, talking in that way makes people perceive me as a very incompetent person, and likely discourages any potential friends from wanting to get close to me.

I am unable to speak with people

 

[Forever Sleep]

I'm not sure you should see it like that. There are plenty of circumstances where I think it's better to express something as your own personal opinion. Some of the arguments or, heated discussions that happen here tend to happen because people express stuff as being objective when it's subjective.

Still- if you want to be more assertive without sounding like you're trying to force your beliefs on everyone else- you could phrase it like: I don't personally believe that. I feel that's wrong because of this and this. You can always sugar coat it at the end by emphasizing that that's your take on things. Your personal opinion.

Still, it's kind of natural you would feel nervous about speaking your mind if you've had bad experiences in the past. I'd say you can probably speak your mind here and the majority of people will try to understand. Hopefully most will have enough respect to counter argue politely if they disagree.