Overthinking “hi.” The social anxiety Olympics, level one: simply greeting someone. For years, the simple act of saying “hi” was fraught with internal debate. Too enthusiastic? Too casual? Too loud? Too quiet? Did I make eye contact for the right amount of time? Was my tone friendly enough? The mental gymnastics required for a single … Read more
Fainting fear. Vasovagal syncope, the official term for that charming tendency to faint when stressed or overwhelmed. Crowds, enclosed spaces, intense emotions – all potential fainting triggers for me. Facing a large crowd felt less like a social event and more like a medical gamble. Concerts, conferences, even crowded grocery stores – each felt like … Read more
Shaky voice. The telltale sign of nerves, anxiety, and public speaking dread. For years, my voice would tremble at the mere thought of speaking in front of people. Presentations, meetings, even ordering coffee in a crowded café – my voice would betray me, shaking like a leaf in a hurricane. It was mortifying. I’d try … Read more
Phone calls. In a world of texts and emails, they feel like relics of a bygone era, especially for the phone-call-phobic. The ringing phone, the forced pleasantries, the fear of awkward silences – for me, phone calls were a special brand of anxiety. Scheduling appointments, calling customer service, even phoning friends – each ring felt … Read more
Compliments. They’re supposed to be nice, right? But for the socially anxious, they can feel like spotlights, instantly triggering a volcanic eruption of blush. My face, a sensitive barometer of social discomfort, would betray me at the slightest hint of praise. “Nice shirt!” – face turns crimson. “Good job!” – cheeks ignite. Compliments, meant to … Read more
My laugh. Let’s just say it’s…distinctive. A honking, snorting, slightly alarming sound that often elicits more stares than chuckles. For years, it was a source of deep embarrassment. I’d try to stifle it, morph it into a polite chuckle, anything to avoid unleashing the full, untamed beast. Social situations, especially those requiring any level of … Read more
Small talk: the social lubricant that for some of us feels more like social sandpaper. Those endless, looping conversations about the weather, traffic, and the latest office coffee machine – they’re designed to connect, but for the socially anxious, they can be a minefield of awkward pauses and internal panic. My personal torment? Networking events. … Read more
Parties: the social Olympics. For the socially anxious, they can feel less like celebrations and more like endurance tests. My personal Everest? A friend’s birthday bash filled with people I vaguely knew, and a social battery that was already blinking red before I even arrived. The thought of navigating small talk, the fear of awkward … Read more
“Too tall.” Towering, gangly, always standing out in a crowd. For years, I felt self-conscious about my height. Felt like I was “too big,” “awkward,” and definitely not “delicate.” Then, I decided to embrace my height. To see it not as a liability, but as…an asset. As…power. Being “too tall” started to feel…strong. Commanding. Confident. … Read more
“Uneven eyes.” Asymmetrical, slightly mismatched, not perfectly symmetrical. For years, I felt self-conscious about mine. Felt like they made my face look “off,” “imperfect,” and definitely not “balanced.” Then, I started to see them differently. To see them not as flaws, but as…unique features. As…character. Uneven eyes started to feel…distinctive. Memorable. Intriguing. They became part … Read more