I'm painstakingly shy, and have been throughout my life. The thought of making small talk with strangers is enough to make me hyperventilate into a paper bag, but I do it anyway, because we live in a social world and hiding from it is no way to live. It usually angers a shy person when you tell them to 'get over it', but that really is the only way work against your shyness.

Here are some tips for overcoming social anxiety:

• Instead of focusing on yourself and how uncomfortable you feel, focus on someone else and creating positive interactions with them. And remember that it's not all about you; while you might feel like everyone is watching you and judging you, they're probably not
• Immerse yourself in social situations. Volunteering is a great idea -- you'll see the same people over and over again, and will learn to be comfortable around them
• Look up and make eye contact with people when you pass them on the street or in the hallway

How do you put your social anxiety behind you?