When I was a little girl, I would never talk. I was nervous around adults and kids, and was just overly shy. It was so bad that people always asked my mom if I was deaf; one mom even asked my mom if something was wrong with me.

"Nope, she's just shy." She would reply, and hug me as I hid behind her.

Over the years I got used to hearing the same old comments from teachers, kids, parents, and friends. Here are some of my favorites.

1. "You're really shy, you know that?"

No, I had no idea. Thank you for reminding me.

2. "Why don't you just talk more?"

Thanks for advice, but it's not that simple.

3. "You just need to get out of your shell."

This is probably the worst thing to say to a shy person. Maybe I like my shell just the way it is. My parents don't move houses every time someone doesn't like the way it looks so why should I?

4. "Speak up a little more in class."

Every parent conference you could bet this would be brought up.

"She's doing great! But.... She needs to talk more."

My mom would just nod her head and roll her eyes at me.

5. "Why don't you talk?"

Um.. cause: A. I don't want to? B. I don't like you? C. I don't have anything to say? D. All of the above?

6. "Speak louder, nobody can hear you."

Maybe you should listen better. This is probably why I don't open my mouth.

7. "Why are you being so snobby?"

When I was little a kid new to school walked up to me on the playground and said, and I quote, "You know, nobody likes you. Everyone just thinks your stuck up. Just thought I would tell you." And wow that had an impact on a third grade girl. It made me question everything I did and even now, I get those comments by friends who have told me, "I thought you would be a b**ch, but then I got to know you are you are actually nice!" Um. Thanks. I think?
I'm not trying to be on purpose. Sometimes I just don't have anything to say and it comes across as snobby and rude. I swear I'm a nice person. Promise. Pinky-swear.

8. "Why do I have to ask the waiter for the ketchup?"

Cause, I am not physically or mentally equipped to venture that route. Plus, view the next one for a further explanation.

9. "It's just talking, what could go wrong?"

I'm just a mess. You really don't want to know.

10. "... and then we will present."

Any type of presentation/speech/discussion/activity where I have to get up in front of the entire class and talk will guarantee me faking sick and staying at home where the only people that I have to talk to are my dog and the pizza delivery guy.