u/zgh16

👋 Has anyone else struggled with continuing a conversation after just saying, 'Hello, how are you?

​How did you approach this and break the cycle? Do you have any suggestions for me?

I am 26 years old, and I have been struggling more and more each day with my social skills. I have a few friends with whom I can have deep conversations, but since they don't live in the same country, it’s hard to stay connected. At work or university, I find socializing very challenging. ​I often run out of things to say. Today, during my English class, the teacher asked us to prepare a three minute presentation in just six minutes. It was about banking, a topic I know a little about, but I didn't want to use AI. I felt so overwhelmed that I ended up closing the meeting. I was already struggling with a lot of thoughts, and that situation just made it worse.

​I speak four languages, yet even in my native tongue, I find myself at a loss for words. As a child, I was very talkative, but now I only feel that way with my brothers. With them, I can joke around and talk about silly things. I'm not sure what's wrong with me 😭

​I also have a crush on someone I follow on Instagram. I know I’m old enough to just message them, but I have no idea how to start a conversation. I tend to be very direct when I want something, which can come across as bold or even aggressive in different cultures.

Ps. I have been working from home for the past 1.5 years

Hello, I'm 26 and want to make a career in private equity. I am living in EU but in my country, we don't have so much opportunities for this. I am in second year Business Administration (please don't ask me why so late - I have had a tough life with different background) anyway do you have any tips for me? Like what skills or certifications can I earn to get in this field?

A little bit more about me: I know Dutch and several other languages. Have worked in customer support and accounts receivable for the past 7 years.