Asking strangers for things?

[Quasijocund]

I'm actually a pretty outspoken person, but around strangers I have an inability to ask for anything. I honestly cannot go to the cook at the Ryan's grill and ask for a medium-rare steak. When I need to buy something at Wal-Mart, or even order a cup of tea at Dunkin' Donuts, I freeze and panic. Sometimes I can do it, but usually I freak out like a total weirdo :(

I'm not sure how to conquer this, and I'm not even sure if it's social anxiety or me being a freak. I've never met anyone else like that.

Any advice would be great.

[NeverToo...Fear]

Ha..I'm totally, freakishly awkward around strangers..I avoid eye contact. I'm super nervous, heart racing, and I start waving my arms as I babble out words to them..I'm a total nut and must look like one too..I try to avoid asking strangers at the store for anything.. An employee walk by, "Can I help you?"

I don't like it when that happens, lol..... I don't care if I can't find what I'm looking for or I need something. I'll turn and walk the other way to avoid that situation..

So the problem just keeps getting worse for me as time goes on. And much worse when I think about having to actually talk to a stranger.. So basically what I've been starting to practice is what I'm afraid to do. Talking to the strangers. I force myself to be in an environment to start a conversation. I start with just focusing on keeping eye contact at least half of the time. And as nervous as that makes me feel, when I force myself to do it, it gets easier. Just set yourself little goals and conquer them until you start feeling more comfortable! Hope this was a little helpful.....and good luck ! :)