Best Self Help Books for a Few Subject Matters

Try finding a community support group.

Or, many people who are 'shy', join the "Toastmasters" club.
http://www.toastmasters.org/
My Mom, knows of MANY women, who have signed themselves up in this club, specifically to overcome their shyness and social awkwardness.
And it has really helped them.

Reading books are fine... but you ALSO have to 'practice' what you learned. Thus, support groups and Toastmaster Clubs are good, because you will be 'practicing' and learning, at the same time.
AND, everyone there will be there for the same reason you are there.

all the best,
Susan

The best guide book I have found is the Bible. There you will find who you are and what is your purpose. The Bible itself can sometimes be hard to understand but it is relevant today as much if not more than ever. If you don't have one already find a good Bible based church that will help you understand His Word. Volunteer at the church and you will be able to try new things in a safe environment. Through church I have made many friends by signing up in different areas. I have tried new things I would not otherwise think I could do. I have found I love working with young children and it has become my passion. Before I didn't even "like" kids.

The thing I have learned the most is I can't help my self. My help comes from my Creator. He has provided me with all I need if I accept the gift He has given me and let Him guide my steps. The same is true for you and everyone else.

Prayers are with you.

http://www.billygraham.org/specialsections/Graffiti/graff...

http://eventsandadventures.com/

A Life Coach can change the way you think, which changes how you feel, and the actions you take - to get to the outcomes in your life that you want.

I highly recommended "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. It was a quick, easy read but for me (at about your same age) that I still find myself going back to when my self-talk turns negative.

I'm not a religious person but am spiritual so really loved the message and tone of the writing. I can't encourage you to give this one a try strongly enough. It was also very not "self-help"-y. I'm smart, but so much in the self-help genre can be so dumb. Not so with the 4 agreements.

Also, you might follow this up with Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth" as someone else recommended. But I think 4A is a great foundation and will address what you mention struggling with and more.

I am not big on self-help books. What gets me inspired are real-life stories of successful people or fictional ones with strong female characters (such as the Sue Grafton books).

Have you read The Right Words at the Right Time? It's about famous people and the people who inspired them to succeed ... people who said something that really motivated them or made a difference in their lives. It's a fun read, so you may find you enjoy reading after all.

Good luck!

Your mom is a psychologist, right? Would she have any specific recommendations for you?

All I know of is "What Color Is Your Parachute" and "& Habits of Highly Effective People"...

A New Earth helped my total outlook and behavior in many many ways regarding happiness and patience and turning outward rather than inward. It's not really a self help book, but it helped me a lot.

Ok I like to read but I can't really ever finish a self help book and none has ever changed my life. So i don't have any good advice for you there. I suggest finding a coach- there are "life coaches" you can find on the internet that will give you advice on how to improve your life and i think they are cheaper than therapy. Or try therapy or your church.

I know you didn't mention depression... but "The Mindful Way Through Depression" is very interesting and might be helpful. Kind of teaches meditation, which can help with anxiety, confidence and patience.

Or you could try "You Can Heal Your Life." It's a little "new agey," but has good ideas about positive thinking.

Once you feel better about yourself, you'll probably have better luck in the dating world.

Good luck, and happy reading! :)

I can't think of ANY books on that subject matter, but... you'll never get anywhere without facing your fears. What makes you feel confident? For me, I shower, do my hair, throw on some makeup, some comfy, sexy clothes, and some pretty perfume... OH, and 5 inch heels ;) Do you like sports? Easiest way to make friends (and I swear by this), go to a sports bar to watch the game/big fight/whatever. I've never had more people (guys AND girls) buy me drinks than the few times I've done this. When I was a single mom, I'd splurge on a sitter and a few bucks for drinks for myself, and go to the sports bar to watch the NY Rangers game. There would be groups of people there together to watch the same game. No one wants to see a lady buying herself drinks by herself while rooting for her team! Next thing you know (and this happened every time), I'm feeling comfortable and confident (thanks to the drinks... liquid courage!) and sitting in the VIP section with 20 new acquaintances and having the best time! Some of those people I'm still in touch with... some I'm not... the point is, it was a huge (and much needed) self esteem boost for me! Good luck :)

I found Captivating very eye opening and found myself being very introspective in if my views of myself are the same as the way God views me......the title says it all in that God finds me captivating......very awesome book and unlike any other book I have read, Christian, Self-help or otherwise.......

http://www.amazon.com/Captivating-Unveiling-Mystery-Woman...

I have read many self-help books over the years and they were ok, like putting a band-aid on the problem. If you want to fix the problems then the Bible is your answer. All of the problems that your facing now are addressed in the Bible. I totally agree with Lynn B!

I would highly suggest Dr Wayne Dyer the book is called excuses begone. It is a fabulous book and really anything that he writes is exceptional.. I have read most of them and learned so much from him about relationships, my own personal self etc....he is a form therapist and really knows his stuff. I don't like reading myself... I am sure you can get it on cd's so u can listen in the car or home... You are worth it... Your beautiful... You have a lot to offer... Should I keep going??? Now you need to believe those words and have whatever you want in life... Go get his books or cd's... Good luck!!!

While not a "self-help" I loved "my utmost for his highest" It is a great daily devotional and "helps" in the truest sense of the word:)
I also like these types of books that are small readings every day/week (as a reading hater this might be the way to go!) with application that way you don't feel like you have to sit down and read this mamoth book and then act on it. you read a little, digest it, take actions, implement change and repeat!
Best of luck!!