A Fearless Guide to Losing Your Social Nerves

Years ago, I couldn’t talk to strangers. Here’s what it finally took to shed my anxiety.

Photo: Jena Ardell/Getty Images

One day during my socially anxious years, I was standing in a record shop, trying to force myself to speak to another customer. I’d promised myself I would speak to one stranger that day and the plan was to simply ask for the time. I’d…