A
female
age
30-35,
*itty_3
writes:How can i get better at talking to adults?i always feel so awkward or intimidated... whether it's a teacher, tutor, or a friend's parent. when they start talking to me, i kind of freak. i feel like they're older and wiser and i don't want to sound stupid. and if it's a male, i feel even MORE awkward because i always feel like any guy i talk to is going to think i'm hitting on him. (i'm kind of paranoid in that respect.)what should i do? i'm going to have to talk to adults for the rest of my life, be it professors in college or alumni during college interviews. Reply to this Question
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female
reader, kitty_3 +, writes (13 June 2009):
kitty_3 is verified as being by the original poster of the question i just always feel like i seem so awkward...
A
female
reader, sammi star  +, writes (7 June 2009):
 I couldn't believe it when I read your question because I used to be exactly the same way! You will grow out of this hun, of course there will always be people in life that we find intimidating but you will learn to deal with that. You're an adult yourself now so don't be shy of talking to other adults or looking silly, the more you worry about it the more tongue tied you'll end up! Practice talking more confidently with a few adults that you feel more comfortable with, good luck x
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (7 June 2009): For starters, chill. Think of how you would want someone to talk to *you*.
I don't usually do this with answers, but it might be worthwhile on this one. I'm a father, and I have to deal with my children's friends. And that's not so different from what you're worried about. What I want is to be treated with respect. And at the same time I want these people to actually be able to engage in conversation. I do want to hear about *you*. But in a way that's relevant to me (as an adult) rather than how you'd talk to your friends.
So: You're introduced to a professor. Look him in the eye, say "My name is kitty, I'm pleased to meet you, professor."
Now, keep in mind, you are *not* on trial here. On the contrary -- you are in a conversation with an adult, who wants to hear from an adult. Behave accordingly.
"So, kitty, why do you want to attend this university?"
"Well, professor, I've learned a bit about x, and my reading has suggested that professor y has quite a bit to teach about x."
It's that simple. Don't be into you, be into them.
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