Advice, please?

[Nimian]

Hi everyfur, I just need some quick advice. Prepare to read.

Ok, so. I'm not very social. I have a social circle of about 5 people, not including family. I'm loud, but when it comes to speaking my mind, its hard for me. Maybe its just my bad communication skills, but I find it hard to share my views on things with people. No matter what it is, politics, religious views, beliefs. I am kind of insecure, so that might be why. I feel like I can't speak and that bothers me. When someone says something I don't agree with, I spend a while thinking about how I four says what I want to without sounding stupid. And by the time I rack up the courage to say it, they have already changed the topic. I was just wondering if anyone new any ways that I could become less tentative? Thanks for your help. 

[Beatnory]

I think it's better to have 5 good friends then 30 'normal' friends.
But more important, Are you happy?

[Nrein]

/\ I agree with the above statement 100%.
I've got plenty of Acquaintances, but very few close friends. Sometimes it's just better that way.

But in regards to the other things, I'd say that it's not *bad* to be reserved about those sort of things, though it also isn't always a good thing. But it all depends on what you don't respond to. If you can speak your mind about matters that are truly important to you, then that's already good!

[Khelan]

You are not alone on this, i know alot of people that feel that they are left out or left behind as they call it. If you feel somewhat insecure about talking out, then my best edvice would just be to talk with people that you feel really secure with.

[___]

Oh yeah, I know how you feel...
I have such weird views on stuff that I've learned to keep quiet about it.

Here's what I do:

I usually avoid topics like politics and religion unless its brought up by another person; they have such strong followings and beliefs attached to both, so its just asking for conflict to bring it up. If their view is differing than mine, I take a breath, remember that I can't change someone's mind and that they're entitled to their opinion, and I say something that alludes to "To each their own" and try to find something that I agree on within their statement to change the subject.  Only if their view is matching will I go on with the subject, because I can get really into it sometimes.

I hope this helps some, and truthfully I only have one or two true friends, and I'm pretty happy this way.

[Nimian]

Thank you all, everyone had great advice! I really appreciate it!