I have been forcing myself into new situations (including professional and personal networking) and I have came though these “trials by fire” with not a single singe mark. As unbelievable as it is, I have even made a few new connections. Shocking, I know.

I have been in a few conversations with the dreaded “awkward silence” but have also been in some most interesting and thought provoking talks.

With these successes over the last several months, why do I still slip up from time to time?

This is frustrating as they come when you are least prepared to counter the natural tendency to withdraw. I am not a hermit, and by withdraw, I mean to be silent and let others carry a conversation.

How long does it take to replace a long-term bad habit with a natural positive tendency?