Low self esteem is normal, loads of people have it. However, it's not something to be proud of, or have to live with - or you'll just get walked all over...maybe without even realizing it. You should be willing to improve it even if you think it's just shyness. Low self esteem is very different and it is somewhere on the "lack of confidence" spectrum...but not shy. Sometimes it's better to convert slightly shy than to stay with no self esteem. People with low self esteem lack basic social skills because they don't have the ESTEEM to put themselves forward. Simple.

Show Ads

[edit] Steps

Remember people make eye contact/facial contact 30-60 % of the time. Now, if you are not making that amount of human contact generally speaking something is amiss. Don't be too hard on yourself; it's not the end of the world. It's just people might think you're a bit arrogant if you don't.
Always bear in mind that self esteem and self worth is the most important thing. If you lack these, it's better to be shy, really, because you can hide it better. Shy doesn't mean you have to be an outcast; just listen more than you speak and share your intelligence bit by bit.
Be proud of who you are. Don't give in to people who try to bully you into someone you are simply not. They are doing it because they know they can. Everybody is different! Look at everyone! Do you know any two people who are the same?
Become really strong... for as long as you can. Don't take bull from anyone. Then when you think you're about to give in, go to counseling to keep you up. You would be extremely surprised if you found out how many people go to counseling just to keep them afloat.
If you find someone annoying - yeah they're annoying, go by your first assessment. You are you.
Think of a good excuse to not make eye contact, such as being occupied with something else WHILE you are talking. This takes a degree of creativity... Anyway, the fact is that it works.