I couldn’t find this specifically through the search functions. Anyone here has book recommendations or practical applications on how to improve conversation skills in RPW context (I feel like conversing as a businesswoman is very different) and on how to regulate emotions?

Struggling with these two aspects a lot - it’s the last two things on my list to work on for my current self improvement journey.

For conversation, I struggle with putting on a social mask, so to speak. Social niceties and sounding open/warm drain me a lot, because my character tends to be more calm, straightforward and logical, even serious. When I’m not mentally prepared to make small talk, sometimes I get nervous and don’t know how to reply, unless there is a point to the conversation (eg. we are meeting to discuss X, for example) or it is a genuinely interesting discussion without the social niceties filter.

I worry sometimes that I may be good for stimulating discussions, but may not be warm/affirmative enough. How can I present myself as warm in a conversation, without having to act bubbly? (I do feel warm and open to listening, I’m just not sure that I’m coming off that way!). I also have a very low threshold for bullshit, and many times conversations seem to involve white lies, feigned interest, bullshitting, which make it tiring. Is this a perspective problem that I have or is this something everyone just does out of practice?

This area in life has confused me so much. I would rather I have a more “natural” strategy too because I don’t think I can keep up an act for the rest of my life. My MBTI is INTJ because it may explain some things.

My goal = be a better female friend to my female friends (not just a masculine friend), and a soft place to land for my future partner

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Also struggling with regulating my emotions, I tend to change moods very quickly and dwell on the past/future a lot, and although there are no major mental health concerns, I would like to feel more stable/in tune and in control of my emotions. Stronger. I can’t go to therapy at the moment because I pumped my money into fitness/feminine goals. Can anyone recommend some books?

Any other self improvement suggestions for soft skills also very much welcome. Hope everyone is safe and healthy in this climate!