How Do You Meet Someone in Dallas When You’re Shy?

In a city bursting with big personalities, being shy can feel like a hindrance when it comes to meeting new people in Dallas. Most of us want to meet new people, and the idea of making new friends – and possibly meeting the love of our life – is compelling. But it can be scary to put that thought into action. It’s common to feel as if others are watching and judging us, especially if you suffer from shyness. It’s easy to feel anxiety and stress in social situations. Luckily, there are specific things you can do to squash your social fears.



Choosing the right places to meet people in Dallas can go a long way to feeling secure and allowing yourself to branch out. Clients have told me they like The Old Monk, a friendly bar situated along North Henderson Avenue. It’s not pretentious and allows for an intimate setting. Across from Klyde Warren Park, Lark on the Park is a fun restaurant with a small bar scene that allows for conversation. It’s not too loud or packed. Both places share a common quality: They are approachable and allow for light conversation.

A louder place can be intimidating and overpowering, making it more difficult to talk. When picking events or places, remember what best suits you. Are you into intimate places? Or more convention center-sized events?

No matter how introverted or extroverted you may be, having a wingman, or wingwoman, by your side helps. I’m a fairly outgoing, extroverted person, but even I feel a little overwhelmed when I enter a room with hundreds of people, knowing none of them, and everyone seems to be separated into small groups or couples. I’ve realized that when you have a friend by your side, conversation flows easier. It’s not all about you, and you can defer the dialogue, allowing others to participate. In short, you don’t have to do all the work.

This works well until your friend can’t go with you to an event, and you’re left to navigate it solo. In this case, it’s all about attitude. When we think the world is a scary place, it is. This thought process is easily applied to meeting people.

When you walk into a place or event where there’s a large group, it comes down to a feeling: Do you feel as if you’re winning? Or do you feel defeated?

I’ve walked into situations with both attitudes in play. With the defeated attitude, I should have stayed home. It’s easy to talk yourself out of fitting in.

But there’s a mindset to have when meeting new people: Know and believe you are a good person who others want to know.

No matter the setting, bring a friend and a positive attitude, and remember you are not alone. Many people feel anxious in social situations. Walking over and saying “hi” could be the life preserver they need, too.

Ashley Berges is a Dallas-based life coach, family therapist, and syndicated radio talk show host of Perspectives with Ashley Berges, which can be heard on 570 AM KLIF and 660AM KKSY. She has written three books; her most recent is The 10-Day Challenge to Live Your True Life. Visit her website atwww.ashleyberges.com.

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