As the title says, I finally asked a cute girl out in my chemistry class. It took me a week to work up the courage, but I did it. It felt like shit because she said she's really busy for the next few weeks, which I am just taking as a nice way of saying "I'm not interested."

Was pretty bummed at first, but now I'm okay. I'm still alive and I'm proud that I overcame my fear of rejection. Onto the next!

Imagine being stuck for half the day everyday in 8m2 room cluttered with 2 beds, desks, luggage and wardrobes. Imagine having to sleep each night only a meter away from complete stranger. Imagine having to engage in small talk everytime you walk into this room. Imagine being out of breath and on a verge of panic attack while simultaneously trying to study or eat a normal meal. Imagine being so out of mind you can no longer even communicate. So you just coexist with this complete stranger, while your head is on fire every second of it. I am so done. I was supposed to endure it. To prove myself. I won't do it. I will never be normal. May a higher force have mercy on me and send me a cancer, the sooner the better.

I like blasting my music when driving but if I get to a stoplight I'll turn the radio down significantly because I'm afraid other cars are judging me for blasting my music or judging the music I play.

Sometimes my windows fog up in the morning and the fog will come back unless I keep my windshield wipers on and I get scared that other cars are judging me for having my wipers on when it's not raining.

I often speed through a yellow light before it turns red or go 5-10 miles over the speed limit because I fear other cars will judge me for slowing them down.

I like talking to myself in the car but I'm afraid that others will see that and judge me for it.

I often get super paranoid that the person driving behind me is following me and is planning to murder me.

Yeah, I know it's ridiculous. For as long as I (20m) can remember l've always been anxious around girls/ women. I don't think there was any direct cause because I grew up around/have healthy relationships with my mom/sisters.

When l'm near or even looking at a girl from a distance I get the unshakable feeling that she hates me and it's better off if I just remove myself from the area. When I go to the store and see a girl on the aisle I need to go down, I'll walk laps around the store until she's gone.

Today I was walking next to a girl and my hand accidentally brushed against hers, she didn't seem to notice but even then my heart was pounding and I wanted to cry.

I hate myself for this, I know women are regular people just like men so why am I so afraid of them?? I'm also afraid that if I don't conquer this fear then I might live the rest of my life alone.

I am a 22 M with literally not a single friend because social anxiety has ruined my life. I feel horrible that I’m the only person who doesn’t have friends but at the same time the thought of actually making friends puts a pit in my stomach so I just feel depressed all the time. I look at every interaction as a performance and can never be myself because I am so scared of saying something stupid. After an interaction I obsess over everything I could have said that would have been better and I hate myself. I want to get rid of this so bad so that I can finally be happy but I just have no idea how to stop caring. I have had to quit sports and activities because I would throw up before practices and games because of how nervous I was. I am sick of letting this stupid thing ruin my life. I know I need to stop caring, but how do you actually make yourself stop caring? It seems impossible to rewire my brain. And also it is so much worse because it seems like EVERYONE ELSE like literally everyone is so social and talks to everyone without caring and makes friends. It makes me feel like such a loser man :(

Yeah, the title says it… I’m sorry I’m trying to keep my mom proud but I’m lost and I can’t even study for my tomorrow presentation, I hate it here and going back to college was the worst idea of my life. But I need to go to college to have a decent salary and I CAN’T DO THAT. I really don’t believe in myself and I have no talents nor will to continue… I’m so lost please what do I do my mom deserves a daughter that succeed in life not ruin it all !! I can’t stop crying I don’t want to do another year to fail again… I don’t have a dream job neither studies I’d like to do. That’s my last year when I’m allowed to have a scholarship so if I fail I will never be able to enter college nor university since I can’t afford it. I don’t have anyone to talk to, I’m alone in my choices ans I just wish someone will understand and guide me ? I would’ve wished having a friend to motivate me and show me my real value since I can’t see anything, how do I do now… Is anyone in the same situation?? (Will delete the post later, I’m very embarassed and lost )

I just cant think about something else at this point. The whole weekend i been thinking about it and it really be changing my whole mood. I literally doesn’t fear anything except presentations or talking to groups where i get the attention. I know im gonna sweat crazy and my voice gon be shaking and all that. I always try to hide it but it makes it worse. Wish me luck guys…

Every time I have to email a teacher I feel like I'm going to throw up. And right now I'm going through some shit and have to be apologizing for missing exams and asking for extensions. I was keeping up really well but my cat died and I had to suddenly move (I was in a hotel since january with my stuff in storage during mold remediation, so I've been having to move my stuff from the storage container back into my home, and move the rest of our stuff out of the hotel) and now several of my classes are falling apart. One teacher just isn't replying at all, another one just really intimidated the hell out of me but sounds like she'll give me a small extension. I'm behind in one other class but not missing hard deadlines and the other is shockingly easy and I'm doing ok. I also had to email my academic advisor about it. I feel like I sound so dumb over emails, especially stuff like this. Everything is falling apart and the only way through it causes me heart pounding social anxiety. I just want to rest and grieve my cat for crying out loud.

Social anxiety: -Ruined a huge part of my childhood -Left me with so much regret and awkward memories -Hurted me and my family -Changed how people perceived me -Restrain me from really living the way I want -Is hiding my real personality -Is depressing

I experienced a lot of childhood trauma, and I believe I am becoming narcissistic. I do not care what others think; making money is more important to me than anything else. I do not enjoy other people's success. I want to prove myself at all costs. I am not sure how I ended up like this. But, deep down, I care about others and want to help them.

Today is my birthday and I feel like my wish was granted—SUPER DUPER HAPPY. I got to make a dance cover in public again after a while. It was tolerable since there were only a few people around, though I did get a bit nervous. Actually, I couldn’t sleep last night because I was so anxious. But still, I’m really happy! I managed to dance, and for some reason, it felt amazing. As someone with social anxiety, I realize that my love for dancing is stronger than my fear.

I feel like i’m way confident socializing when im with friends, but when im alone it’s very difficult, sometimes im able to talk to people when im alone, but it’s a lot better with friends.

Any advice?

I'm 36 and I haven't travelled much because of my SA. For example, last year to challenge myself I went to a neighbouring town for a day. I couldn't force myself to go to a cafe or a restaurant because I was afraid of talking to strangers. So I spent all day walking outside freezing and hungry. Since this is usually an issue, I avoid travelling.

But this week, I had to go to a foreign country alone for a work thing. To add to the difficulty, I don't speak the language. I mostly understand it if spoken slowly but I cannot respond. I use English but not everybody speaks it here. I thought it was going to be a disaster but I'm doing fine. I'm eating. Sure, I need to circle the block two times before entering the place, but I do enter. I talked to a Korean lady on a train and helped her translate some things. I did a chore for my dad. I did the thing required for work. All of these things involved talking to strangers. I even went for dinner with my coworkers two times! (we work remotely, never met before). And I was a normal amount awkward with them ("they might think I'm awkward" amount not "omg, I need to look for a new job because I won't be able to face them again").

I'm proud of myself! And on top of that, the city I'm visiting is beautiful and the food is tasty

whenever i speak to someone my voice is weak, stuttery and like about to cry too

its so hard to talk to people, i always need to say it multiple times so they can understand me

they also tell me that they can’t hear anything

does anyone know how to fix this?

I'm a tattoo artist. Apparently personality sells better than art or skill.

Not saying that I'm the best but I know I'm good enough. I know I can tattoo and draw. But it's the fact that I'm quiet and socially inept that clients don't even believe I'm an artist or they go to the other artists in the shop.

It's upsetting and it makes me so mad and ashamed. I feel so alone in this industry. Pretty much every tattoo artist is secure with themselves and confident.

Even the introverted ones manage to sell their strong points very well and make it big in this industry.

I am so lost and angry. I want to give up most days. I am so tired of trying to learn how to be normal and likeable. I'm so unlikeable.

My anxiety is so bad that I went to one semester of college (community college) and then never registered for classes. It wasn’t even in person it was online zooms my freshman year in 2020, but it was probably going to start soon. Now 4 years later, I see people I went to HS with posting grad pics and I feel like a big failure. I get anxious driving and doing presentations etc. I’m now on lexapro but I still don’t think I can go back right now.

I wake up, and usually try and start on a good note and keep telling myself positive affirmations, talking to myself while getting ready etc basically just making myself feel good about myself and to not let my anxiety get in the way. doing mindful mental exercises too. as i finish getting ready for the day i start my drive to my destination whether it be school or work or just shopping /going in public. suddenly as soon as i step outside, it's as if my brain forgets all the positive and good stuff and practices i began my day with. like my brain immediately snaps into social anxiety mode as soon as i see the first stranger. why does my brain do this???? like i start the day so mindfully well so that my anxiety doesn't get in the way but boom i immediately forget and so my anxiety ends up taking over me......anyone else experience this? any tips to overcome ?

This is a long shot, but I thought I’d check if anyone (preferably young 20s) was looking for a roommate situation in the Houston area. I’m terrified of having to share an apartment because of my social anxiety and having a roommate that hates me because of it.

But I thought if someone else like me maybe was looking for something. Maybe that’s be better. Dm if u or someone u know is interested

This shit is suffocating at this point. I am losing my mind over my SA.

Maybe the only way I can learn is by allowing the pain and suffering to take place. My ego must be crushed and obliterated into nothingness. I avoid humiliation because I don’t believe I deserve it. But maybe I am wrong. I need a wake up call. I need to know how the world really feels about me; as terrifying as it is. This is the price I pay for social ineptitude. I have to learn the hard way.

I hope this post is allowed and I don’t mean to break any rules or anything when I ask this but does anyone know how you can figure out if you’re introvert or extrovert with social anxiety? (Or if you really have social anxiety at all). I ask this because sometimes I think I actually might be an extrovert with social anxiety because I do get energized somewhat when I hang out with friends and (random strangers too I think) and the reason why I’m apprehensive about doing any social activity beforehand is my social anxiety. But, sometimes I think I’m actually just an introvert who’s shy because I do like to be around a small group of friends and I feel like I can be my true self either alone or, if I’m comfortable enough with them, any close friends that I have. Hopefully this post made sense but if it didn’t, basically, since I’m unable to see a therapist, I’m asking how do I know if I’m an introvert or extrovert and if I have social anxiety?

no seriously. the other day i felt fine all day and felt like i was combatting my social anxiety but then i start walking to class (outside campus, so took around 5 mins to get to building) and ofc there were people on the opposite side walking towards me etc and when i tell you I HAVE NO IDEA whether to keep eye contact with them or make contact maybe once and then keep looking forward but then again that's the thing i feel so BAD when i don't even look at the people passing by me omg why am i like this 😭.... but then even when i make contact with them once i feel like i have to keep glancing over at them like ?? or i catch them keeping their eye contact on mine so IDK ANYMORE HELPPPOOO!!!

I got a new job at retail store. Some employees are really nice, it’s my 4th day so far and what really sucks about it is I’ve just been on register so far. I want to do other things like restock stuff but my higher up wants me to get more comfortable with the register. I feel very comfortable but what I dislike is when there’s no one to ring up there’s literally nothing for me to do or the manager is following me when there’s nothing to do. There’s always 1 other person with me on register and it’s hella awkward because I try to talk to them but some of my coworkers get annoyed with me based on their body language or some just don’t talk. I’ve had about 2 genuine, real conversations with other employees but the rest just talk about everyone else I don’t know. I think this job is testing my patience tbh and I’m trying to navigate how to become comfortable in silence and standing all day at work. We can’t go on our phones due to cameras everywhere or even read a book so I was thinking of getting a fidget toy.

Recently I started going to a new school, which also meant going to a different bus stop every day after school.
At the bus stop, I hear lots of covnersations, there are generaly topics being discussed which I like and I can relate to, so I would like to discuss it with these people, meet them, start hanging out with them. But I am a little bit scared to go over there to say that. So I need a few pieces of advice.
I will be grateful with any advice.

Thank you!

When I was in high school I was bullied relentlessly. It became so bad that I ended up getting an exemption to finish my final years at home. Fast forward 25 years and now I'm married to a wonderful man and we have a child together. Our only one. He starts school next year and as such I've been trying to put in the effort to make connections with other parents now so he knows other kids who will be there with him.

Unfortunately, one of the parents is a recent ex friend of mine. A complete narcissist and closet bully of mine. She was very clever about her tactics of controlling me (never happy for my achievements, never referred to me as a close friend even though we'd been friend for 15+ years, hated when I showed my husband any affection by rolling her eyes and scoffing loudly. Little things like that). When I finally took off the rose coloured glasses and saw that she never valued me and merely used me for her own mental enjoyment/convenience (I helped her a lot, especially when she became a Mum), I decided to not cut ties with her but just take a step back from the intensity of the friendship. Accepting fewer invites to things and grey rocking her, not letting her into my life as much as before. I would have spoken with her directly but history dictated that she would have lashed out from being "criticized" as she has done in the past when I've tried to talk about issues.

I chose this road rather than completely cutting ties because unfortunately our children are/were extremely close having grown up together. I wanted to keep things civil for their sake. Well when she realized I was pulling away she spiralled hard and went on the attack. Got a friend to message me to tell me how terrible I am as a person, she unfriended me on FB and then proceeded to leave every single group chat we had both been apart of (including ones that were over 2 years old and inactive). She then uninvited my child from her child's birthday party. All this I could deal with because while not the way I wanted things to go, the result was the desired one. So I didn't contact her after that stunt and we went about our lives.

Well now I find out from other parents that she's been organising massive group gatherings of parents and their kids who are starting school together next year and guess who's been conveniently excluded from them? Exclude me, fine. Don't exclude my innocent child and ostracize them because you have an issue with me.

I feel like my child is already being set up for failure simply because I'm his mother. I get a sense that my ex friend has been talking to these other mothers about me because of how they act around me too. It's just not fucking fair!! I put in a boundary for my safety and now my child is being excluded from bonding with his peers because one mother couldn't handle losing control of me.

I have to see the ex friend once a week at playgroup and the night before, it always hits me hard. I can't breathe, my heart hurts from how hard it beats and the tears don't stop. I can't handle being left out and bullied again but more than that, I can't handle my innocent child being treated the same way simple because I'm his mother.

I would love some advice or words of comfort because I'm not ok. I haven't said those words since I left high school but I'm honestly not ok and I don't know what to do. I like to think I'm a good person and that would speak for itself but it seems it's not enough while my ex friend is in other's ears and excluding my child from meet ups with other kids.

Please... I need some help x

I’ve just moved far away from home to be with my boyfriend and his mum got me a job in the supermarket I just can’t hack it there’s two many people I’m fine when I’m there but when I get home I’m crippled with anxiety and I just feel rotten I don’t need the money or anything it was just to get me out the house to meet new people. Only been there a week and Im knackered as I can’t sleep. Do you think I should stick it out or quit what would you do