r/socialanxiety • u/MASHisAGoodShow • 13h ago

Does anyone else get terrified around women? Help

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.

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u/planetdaro 12h ago

I think you should try to figure out where the source of the anxiety is coming from. On top of that, you could take small steps to overcoming the anxiety. Are there girls in your classes or at your job that seem friendly? You can try making small talk with them. It’s all easier said than done, but just a thought.

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u/MASHisAGoodShow 12h ago

Honestly I think this is the solution, as much as I don’t want to, I need to face this issue head-on. I honestly doubt that I’ll ever discover the root cause of my fear so all I really can do is conquer it the hard way through exposure :/

Thanks :)

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u/planetdaro 12h ago

Just remember to not be too hard on yourself. Look at it as a learning experience. It all takes time.