I wish I had a simple answer to this question.

It is by no means unusual for young women to feel that they lack confidence in certain situations, but clearly you are sufficiently worried about this that it must go beyond the usual shyness of worries about making oneself look silly.

Getting over this needs support and training. Teaching self-assertiveness is the term usually used for helping people overcome lack of self-confidence.

There are professionals who do this, but it will cost you money, and you would need to be sure you were going to someone reputable and properly qualified. I do not know of any self-assertiveness training courses on the NHS.

There are however a number of books and tapes that can help teach self-assertiveness, and looking for publications under this heading in bookshops or the library may be the best place to start.

Many young people suffer from this sort of problem, and so you are not alone. Trying to overcome it can help in all spheres of life, from personal relationships to getting a job.

You must believe in yourself and what you do, and I am sure, with a little help, you will be able to achieve that.

Yours sincerely

The NetDoctor Medical Team