Well, to answer [color=FF66CC]llebrekniT's[/color] question, I apparently have a lot in common with several of you. But, I think [color=CC0033]kadaten[/color] and I must have been separated at birth. Her description of herself is eerily similar to how I would describe myself.
I tend to be what RickinNYC refers to as "painfully shy" in social situations, especially if I don't know any or many of the other people. I am not one to initiate a conversation and I have a hard time chit-chatting unless it is about a topic in which I am interested. This is why RickinNYC's job would be the equivalent of medieval torture for me. I can't even fathom being able to do things like that, let alone actually enjoying it! I became incredibly nauseous when I had to give a toast at my brother's wedding (I was the best man).
Believe it or not, I've actually gotten better over time. I used to be THE "quiet kid" in school. It's true...just look at the signatures in my yearbooks: "You're so quiet"..."We didn't really talk that much but you seem so sweet"..."I'd vote you most likely to isolate yourself in a clock tower with a rifle" blah, blah, blah (OK, just kidding about that last one). Of course, the more I get to know someone the more comfortable I become and the more I let my guard down. But, if there are more than one or two other people, I do tend to just quietly observe and occasionally throw out what I believe to be a particularly insightful and/or funny anecdote/observation/sarcastic remark.
BUT - like [color=CC0033]kadaten[/color] and Lewski709, I act differently at work. I've given many employee orientations and conducted benefits annual enrollment meetings, etc. and, while I still get nervous, it's not nearly the same for me. I also do much better when I can write out my thoughts, like Lewski709 said.
I always read them very carefully.
Sadly, I haven't had that in a loooong time. 
Why I oughta... 
