Why the ‘logical next step’ might not be the best choice for you

Why the ‘logical next step’ might not be the best choice for you

When was the last time you made a decision that you knew, deep down, was the wrong thing to do? We’ve all done it, haven’t we? We’ve all got a story to share about a relationship that shouldn’t have been entered into; a job that made you miserable; or that time you invested in education…

Why you should forget the whole idea of networking as an introvert, and do this instead

Why you should forget the whole idea of networking as an introvert, and do this instead

What does the word ‘networking’ mean for you? For me, it conjures up images of a space crammed with people; some awkwardly making small talk, some deep into delivering their elevator pitch. There’s that annoying guy running around the room thrusting his business cards into the sweaty palms of politely uninterested attendees. Everyone wants to…

Understanding Social Anxiety in University Students: Insights from Plymouth University

Understanding Social Anxiety in University Students: Insights from Plymouth University

University life is often romanticised as a period of freedom, self-discovery, and academic pursuit. However, for many students, it can also be a time of significant stress and anxiety. A report by Graham Russell and Steve Shaw from Plymouth University delves into the impact of social anxiety on student well-being and learning, shedding light on…

What your child learns when people call them ‘shy’
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What your child learns when people call them ‘shy’

Don’t call my child shy I know, I know; it’s so easy to do, right? Every parent wants to raise a confident child. Yet, you say hello to a child and he buries his face in his mummy’s shoulder. The next words that come out of your mouth are something like “Aww he’s shy” or “You…

Stacey’s story: How alcohol assisted me to feel more social and exciting

Stacey’s story: How alcohol assisted me to feel more social and exciting

As far back as I can recall, I’ve always found it challenging to be in groups of people. I remember feeling much happier and secure with one friend at a time, one person to focus my attention and energy on rather than a crowd of several differing opinions, personalities, voices and energies. At secondary school,…

Hayley’s story: Why I avoided all the good things in life

Hayley’s story: Why I avoided all the good things in life

My Story I have always been the ‘quiet one’. The one that doesn’t speak. As a child, I was described as painfully shy and that is exactly how it felt for me… I hated going to school. I would never volunteer to answer a teacher’s question. But, of course, you don’t have to –you just hear…