3. I only feel comfortable giving my opinion if I know others will agree with me.
Whatever you do, please, please, oh please don't say the opposite of what you really think just so you can agree with everyone else. This is a sure recipe for losing yourself. You are very precious. You are! Simply because you are unique and different from everyone else. If you try to be the same you stop being you. Better to listen and keep your opinions to yourself than to pretend to be someone you are not. Once you start hiding who you are you'll never know if people would like the real you or not. Give the real you a chance. Push her gently out into the spotlight and see what she can do. Here are some ways to help her get started...
Find out more about wanting to be liked.
Ask questions. When you ask a question, you are part of a conversation or discussion without revealing what your opinion is. You are revealing that you are interested in what's being discussed and that you are willing to consider the opinions of others. If you are asked a question yourself you can say you're not sure how you feel yet or you can do the English paper trick of pointing out the positive and negative aspects of a particular view.
Be an appreciative audience. You can also practice speaking by voicing your reactions to thinks that other people say. For example, "That sounds really amazing." or "Wow, I didn't know that." are two ways to be involved without putting too much of yourself out there. Practice saying a little more each time you get an opportunity and before you know it you'll be Chatty Cathy.!