Fidgeting. Nervous energy in motion. Tapping feet, twirling hair, clicking pens, restless hands – for years, my fidgeting felt like a social liability, a sign of nervousness, awkwardness, and social unease. Then, I realized something. My fidgeting…could be charming. Instead of trying to suppress my fidgeting, I subtly embraced it. Turned nervous tics into unconscious … Read more
Staring paranoia. The social anxiety delusion that everyone is watching, judging, scrutinizing your every move. For years, I felt like I was constantly under surveillance, the center of unwanted attention, every social interaction a performance under intense scrutiny. Then, one moment, I realized…no one was staring. Or if they were, I didn’t care. I was … Read more
Unprepared toast fear. The public speaking surprise attack. Unexpectedly asked to give a toast, with zero prep time, in front of a crowd. The social anxiety volcano erupts. Mind blanks, voice trembles, awkward silences loom. I experienced this unprepared toast terror. And surprisingly, I survived. And even, dare I say, delivered a decent toast. My … Read more
“Bad joke” fear. The comedic social anxiety nightmare. Telling a joke that bombs, that elicits groans instead of laughs, that brands you as…unfunny. For years, I avoided telling jokes in social situations, convinced my humor was subpar, my timing off, and my jokes destined for comedic failure. Then, I told a joke I knew was … Read more
Bathroom party hiding. The social anxiety escape hatch. Parties, especially large, overwhelming ones, often triggered a desperate urge to escape. The bathroom, a socially acceptable refuge, became my go-to hiding place. A few minutes of solitude, a moment to regroup, a brief respite from the social storm. Then, I decided to challenge my bathroom party … Read more
“Too loud” voice. The social anxiety amplifier. For years, I was told my voice was “too loud,” “booming,” “unnecessarily loud.” It became a source of deep self-consciousness. I’d try to speak softly, whisper even, constantly monitoring my volume, feeling like my voice was a social liability. Then, I realized something. My “too loud” voice…had its … Read more
Small talk shame. The internal critic that whispers, “You’re boring,” “You’re awkward,” “Your small talk is terrible.” For years, small talk felt like a performance I was constantly failing, a social obligation I dreaded and avoided whenever possible. Then, a chance encounter with a stranger completely shifted my perspective. I was at a coffee shop, … Read more
Public flop. The social embarrassment Everest. Tripping, spilling, saying the wrong thing, making a fool of yourself in front of everyone – public flops are social anxiety fuel of the highest octane. I experienced a truly epic public flop. And surprisingly, I laughed it off. And survived. And even, dare I say, thrived. It was … Read more
Blank mind meeting moments. The professional social anxiety nightmare. High-pressure meetings, important discussions, and suddenly…mind blank. Thoughts vanish, words evaporate, and you’re left staring blankly, feeling like a professional failure. I experienced this blank mind meeting terror. And surprisingly, it didn’t ruin the meeting. My strategy wasn’t about faking brilliance or pretending I had all … Read more
Clumsy entrance. The social anxiety horror movie opening scene. Tripping, stumbling, bumping into things, spilling drinks – clumsy entrances are a guaranteed way to trigger social self-consciousness. I was a master of them. Then, one day, I had a spectacularly clumsy entrance. And instead of hiding, apologizing, and cringing, I…owned it. I tripped over my … Read more