I've known I was shy for a long time, but being insecure and having low self-esteem I did not realize until a couple years ago. I also found out I do not know how to be assertive. I've been a doormat all my life. I am starting to try to be assertive, without much luck. My husband says I'm militant now. I am managing to be more assertive, by standing up for my beliefs. And by setting tasks out for projects I want done @ home. I'm beginning to know some of my friends more, by them giving me advice on boomer and on yahoo. I hope by leading the way I will help myself open up and be able to solve some of my problems by writing about them. Please reply to this note. Let me know if you have found anything that has helped you or someone you know to overcome their shyness or insecurity or lack of assertiveness. TX again. Mary Lou :smile XXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO