Dear Bambi,

I do not know what to to with myself. I do not play games. I do not drink. I do not get up early enough for breakfast. I am shy and self conscious. I do not know how to talk to people in an engaging way. I have no friends at Avenida. I just sit in my apartment and watch television. This has become very boring! What can I do to improve my lifestyle?
Monica

Dear Monica,
You have to make up your mind to extend yourself. No one is going to come knocking on your door. Folks figure you want to be alone. 

You do not have to play games. However, you can go downstairs and watch others play games. Some will be concentrating so hard they will not notice you. Others will acknowledge you and make comments. Hover there a bit and converse a little. Do not linger long enough to be annoying. Keep this up and people will remember your name and you will remember theirs. You will soon have acquaintances.

Go to Happy Hour and drink a soft drink. Lots of people do! If you see a vacant seat sit down. People will naturally include you. If there are no empty seats linger near the door and perhaps someone will pause as they enter and talk with you for a while. Stay only ten or so minutes if you are uncomfortable. Keep this up and soon people will remember you and talk with you more. 

Go to breakfast once in a while. Stroll around and sit in various places. Soon people will get used to you and start expecting you. Do not sit with my dopey cousin. Her whole life has been a disaster! But we will not go into that here. Just take my warning. 

Join an exercise class. You can see people weekly this way and you will begin to make friends.

Soon you will have folks to say "hi" to every day. Some will start asking you to do things. If anyone asks for help always say yes. You will then have a great friend. Just take it slow and easy.

Bambi