I’m just a couple years older and for the most part an extrovert. My family was really big in preventing me from avoiding verbal interactions. Always “forced” me to ask store clerks or strangers if I needed something versus letting them speak for me. Now, my wife asks me to speak up because she has some level of anxiety with strangers. I only laugh because I know I won’t get anxiety and won’t care what people think of me. My advise is to approach any interaction in good faith. Meaning, you have something to offer and are approaching someone because they also have something positive to offer. At every step of that interaction, you’re at a neutral or friendly disposition, while gauging their response and disposition. All too often we build up anxiety of “what ifs”, and tighten up. Focus on the positive potentials instead. Calling customer service? Your friendly tone may resolve the issue you’re calling about. Calling a vendor or customer at work? They’ve been waiting to get a sale or update on their service. Calling for a date? They’ve been waiting for you to reach out. (Probably outdated since texting is so much easier). My point is, mentally and emotionally approach in a positive frame of mind and assume the best. If their response is negative, accept it and move on or try a different approach. It’d be great to hear of specific examples you may have and I’m sure this sub can offer their own approach that has worked. Disclaimer: my speech swings from moderate to mild. I’ve rarely had a conversation without some form of block, repetition or substitution.