It's great that you want to work on becoming more social and talkative, even as an introverted INFJ. Overcoming shyness and social anxiety can be challenging, but with patience and practice, you can make significant progress. Here are some tips to help you become more socially confident:
Set small, achievable goals: Start by setting realistic, attainable goals for yourself. For example, you can begin by initiating a short conversation with a family member each day or speaking up during family discussions. Gradually increase the difficulty of your goals as you become more comfortable.
Practice active listening: Being a good listener can help build rapport with others and make them feel valued. Practice active listening by giving your full attention to the person speaking, maintaining eye contact, and responding thoughtfully to what they say.
Observe others: Pay attention to how other family members interact with each other and try to learn from their social interactions. Observe their body language, tone of voice, and how they initiate and maintain conversations.
Prepare topics of conversation: Before family gatherings or events, think of a few topics you can discuss with your family members. This preparation can help ease anxiety and give you something to talk about when you feel unsure.
Ask open-ended questions: Encourage more extended conversations by asking open-ended questions that invite family members to share their thoughts and experiences. This not only helps in bonding but also reduces the pressure on you to talk constantly.
Join group activities: Participate in group activities or games with your family. Engaging in shared activities can create natural conversation starters and make it easier to interact with others.
Take breaks when needed: As an introvert, social interactions can be draining. Allow yourself breaks during gatherings or events to recharge, even if it's just for a few minutes of alone time.
Practice speaking in front of a mirror or with a close friend: Practice can help reduce social anxiety. You can rehearse conversations, practice making eye contact, and work on speaking with a confident tone.
Seek support: If social anxiety is a significant challenge for you, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor who can provide strategies to manage anxiety and build social confidence.
Be patient with yourself: Changing ingrained patterns takes time, so be patient and compassionate with yourself throughout this process. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and acknowledge that it's okay to have both introverted and extroverted tendencies.
Remember, becoming more social doesn't mean you have to change who you are fundamentally. Embrace your INFJ personality traits while also working on expanding your social skills to feel more comfortable and connected with your family and others.