Su.Ki:

I agree with you to an extent. After all, I am British, so people aren't going to start talking to me about an American accent for example. And I am not saying that the British accent is somehow "better" than others. Having said that, I have noticed on this site and other language learning situations / sites many many people volunteer in their profiles that they like the British accent, so maybe I am on to something. What we need is some kind of scientific survey that asks people what their favourite accent is (I'm pretty sure such a survey exists).

Hi there,

I think it depends. Is the loneliness of the moment, or is it more long term?

If it's of the moment, then do something to get out of yourself: listen to music, take a walk, read a book, play with the kids, do something creative or that needs concentration (langiage learning, anyone?). Change the scene.

If it's something that you feel over a long time or is something that keeps coming back, perhaps you need to think about your life situation and how you can change it. Maybe by joining a club or becoming a volunteer. Setting yourself some kind of long-term goal can help give you a sense of direction. 

I've done both things. Usually, a book of music does the trick, but I have moved towns before or left relationships when that wasn't enough.

ni hao, Vin!

Rules will help you, but English spelling doesn't match its pronunciation, so you should use an English to English dictionary they usually have the word spelt phonetically (as in how it sounds), and some online dictionaries have a sound sample so you can hear the word.

eg. "Candy"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/candy

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/candy

There is also a pronunciation website called Forvo:-

http://www.forvo.com/search/candy/

If you learn how to read the International Phonetical alphabet, it will help you too:-

http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%9C%8B%E9%9A%9B%E9%9F%B3%E6%A8%99

http://www.internationalphoneticalphabet.org/ipa-sounds/ipa-chart-with-sounds/

Hope that helps!

"Shyness is nice, but shyness can stop you from doing all the things in life you want to..."

Listen to an English band called the Smiths and you'll hear that your situation is a pretty common place to be for a teenager. Certainly was for me. The thing is I would say that 90% of teens, regardless of how they seem, have doubts about themselves. Even if they are look like they are outgoing and popular. And although this applies at any stage in life, many many people are quite self-absorbed. They don't have much time for others, and this is especially true during teenage years.

Things usually perk up after school finishes, at uni or work, but I wish that I had tried to be more confident when I was at school, if only to benefit from it later. I think it is just a skill, like learning English. To begin with, it will seem hard and you'll make mistakes and feel disheartened, but once you get the hang of it, you'll get better at it. I think if you talk to people around you, some of them may surprise you (of course, some may not, but that's ok). And remember if something doesn't work out (for example, you try to talk to someone new and they are rude to you), what's the real cost? A few moments of embarrassment, but life goes on as usual. On the other hand, so long as you are following your interests and learning things, then you'll be a naturally interesting person.

As the Japanese say "ganbarimasu!" (do your best) and "If there's something you'd like to try, ask me I won't say no - how could I?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyaSQLlS5e8