For years, I was the quiet kid in the corner, hoping I’d blend in and avoid judgment.

• In college, I overcompensated with a “tough” persona, which only left me more isolated.

• Later, living in New York City—surrounded by millions—I felt totally alone, turning to PlayStation, porn, and weed to numb the emptiness.

• My breaking point came when my girlfriend left me. I realized I’d lost touch not just with others, but with myself.

Desperate for a change, I signed up for a course called Unshyness. That’s where I discovered the power of stepping into tension, making genuine contact with strangers, and building confidence one interaction at a time. I’ll never forget the sense of relief when I had a simple, authentic chat with a couple about their dog in the park—it was like rediscovering water after a long drought.

Today, I’m more connected, alive, and myself than ever, and I want the same for you.