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[Attackthebase]

I've been feeling anxious a lot the past couple of days, so I'm hoping writing it down will make me feel slightly better, and maybe Gaf will have some solid advice for me.

A little background, a few years ago, like around freshman year in college, I could be coined as a hikikimori. I had major social anxieties, I thought people were looking at me, judging me. The sensation drove me mad for a long while. I almost dropped out of college because of how extreme it became, I almost became this man (kudo points to anyone who recognize this anime):

Anyway, several years has passed, and this summer has been really good for me. Last year, I was friends with a bad crowd, and I was almost pushed over the edge regarding my sanity. Well, I took a few actions, dumped a few friends, made some new ones, and turned my life around. This summer has been super healthy and productive for me.

However, the last couple of days has been a little tough. My anxiousness has creep up on me, and I've been worried about my future and people in general. Unlike a few years ago, I can deal with this problem a lot better now, but it's been getting to me. I've been working out (have to release those endorphins!), quit smoking, started to quit soft drinks, so I have a healthier state of mind.

I have a good theory of why I've been feeling this way. I've left my comfort zone these past few days, and now I'm worried everything will blow up in my face. Writing this down has made me feel slightly better.

 

[Pakkidis]

I've started remeron for my anxiety/depression. Does anybody have any experience with this drug. I'm going to try it out for a month and see what happens.

 

[sykoex]

This article makes me wonder if people wanting to be alone will slowly become more and more prevalent in society.

http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/06/27/2011062700257.html

Individualism Taking Root in Korea

The strength of personal networks based on regional and school ties, which traditionally lie at the core of the Korean way of building relationships, is dwindling, according to recent surveys that suggest individualism is on the rise in Korean society.

According to a nationwide poll carried out by LG Economic Research Institute on 1,800 people on June 13, 36.4 percent of the respondents prioritized the individual over the organization. Roughly the same amount, or 36.8 percent, did not agree that actions undertaken for the public good should limit or infringe upon their own rights.

Such a shift in perspective is even more evident among university students. It is not uncommon to see students eating alone at university cafeterias, and there seems to be a growing trend to befriend less people in the same department or academic year.

"There are more advantages to eating alone, as you can save money and time," said one 22-year-old student, voicing the new me-first ethos of the younger generation.

In a poll of 528 university students by job search portal Incruit last year, 34.5 percent considered themselves as "outsiders" who rarely socialize with their classmates or friends.

I totally identify with the part about wanting to eat lunch alone. I'd love to eat alone but co-workers would find it very bizarre if I didn't go out to lunch with them. heh

 

[SolKane]

I prefer to eat alone too, it's just less of a hassle for me. I can take my time when eating, look at other people, read a book, pretend to be busy, etc. Plus I don't have to feign an extended interest in what other people have to say, and there's no need to worry about table manners. For awhile it was really difficult for me to go unaccompanied to a cafe or restaurant, because of social anxiety, but now I do it all the time. I prefer it, actually. Makes me feel in control of my life in some way.

 

[Prez]

Skyoex, this is not for people who want to be alone. Go make your own thread.

I'm sorry but I'm someone who needs a lot of social contact and can't get any at all. I just quit Facebook because it's been giving me too much stress for the past 3 years. Facebook made me realize even more that no one gives a fuck about me. People ignoring my messages to them, not getting a single happy bday 3 years in a row. I know that's fucking stupid to give a fuck about, so I just gave up on Facebook.

And now I'm getting close to giving up on everything else. I've spend 2 years doing teacher's training. Last week I got the results from my teacher's practice (I failed) and got feedback. They told me I should quit, that I will never be able to teach. They gave me a lot of rude comments and said I shouldn't even bother trying again. Apparantly I appear too nervous and confused, which comes to show the meaning of perceptions. I've felt pretty comfortable in the classroom but that's not what others see. My anxiety is still there and it's full blown, but I can no longer identify it which makes it a bitch to work on.

And that's the answer I've been trying to get my whole life (why I can't make friends). People can smell my fear and it scares people away. So no matter how hard I work, I just keep failing at everything.

So right now it's a matter of dealing with my anxiety because trying to get rid of it causes a lot of stress and pain.

ps: yeah I'm the one who made the "not giving a fuck" thread but you should admit I'm right in giving a fuck when suddenly my entire future goes up in flames.

 

[I NEED SCISSORS]

8. Smoke weed everyday

This is funny, as last night I smoked weed properly for the first time and ended up with a massive panic attack that i'm still feeling the effects of 12 hours later. It ruined not only my evening, but also my friend's.

 

[Prez]

Have you guys noticed that Ritalin/Adderall/etc. has a positive effect on your anxiety? Which is strange because they're stimulants that normally raise anxiety. On the other hand, it makes you gain a lot of confidence.

 

[Jadedx]

This thread is depressing...

 

[Atramental]

I think most of my social anxiety stems from my appearance. If I started exercising, eating healthier, and going outside more I'd probably be better off but I don't...

 

[sykoex]

Skyoex, this is not for people who want to be alone. Go make your own thread.

I find it funny that I'm being rejected in the thread about social anxiety. I'm sorry for going off topic though.

 

[Draff]

Even a little weed ?, a joint or 2 , I wouln't leave the house full blown stoned, but a casual joint does the trick for me when heading out

Also a coffee works for me, i can say hello and shit to people i pass but if they were to start a conv i'd freak the fuck out.

Hope my doctor gives me some benzos so i can pat social problems goodbye.

Weed can make some people paranoid which can itself worsen anxiety.
And also, if there's a family history of psych issues, particularly schziophrenia, there's an association with developing a psychotic disorder.

 

[dorkimoe]

I think most of my social anxiety stems from my appearance. If I started exercising, eating healthier, and going outside more I'd probably be better off but I don't...

a walk goes along way man

Dont go hog wild with some stupid diet. Maybe cut out soda/pop and go for a walk at night (so people cant see you.) I know that sounds mean but im the same way, i dont like to walk/run in front of people, cuz i look funny haha. just go for a quick 15 minute walk with a podcast playing, its pretty relaxing

 

[Prez]

I find it funny that I'm being rejected in the thread about social anxiety. I'm sorry for going off topic though.

I don't think it belongs in this thread. It seems that you have to fend off people wanting to hang out with you because you'd rather be alone, while it's the other way around for us. And we all come in contact with tons of people who think we'd rather be alone which is quite frustrating.

 

[SolKane]

I don't think it belongs in this thread. It seems that you have to fend off people wanting to hang out with you because you'd rather be alone, while it's the other way around for us. And we all come in contact with tons of people who think we'd rather be alone which is quite frustrating.

I have social anxiety and I prefer to be alone, honestly. But I'm also a misanthrope.

 

[goober]

This should be like the no fap contest, except for doing one of the steps in the op for the longest consecutive days.

It should add incentive I think if you're competing, shouldn't it? Competition motivates most of us.

 

[Prez]

This should be like the no fap contest, except for doing one of the steps in the op for the longest consecutive days.

It should add incentive I think if you're competing, shouldn't it? Competition motivates most of us.

That was pretty much my intention, but instead making a full list first and doing them all in a month.

 

[TurboLibre]

I'm sorry but I'm someone who needs a lot of social contact and can't get any at all. I just quit Facebook because it's been giving me too much stress for the past 3 years. Facebook made me realize even more that no one gives a fuck about me. People ignoring my messages to them, not getting a single happy bday 3 years in a row. I know that's fucking stupid to give a fuck about, so I just gave up on Facebook.

In many ways Facebook is just like a cellphone. Everyone has it so nobody feels obligated to actually respond. I find it's pretty common for people to just straight up ignore messages. Curious though, were you sending them privately? That makes a difference when I use it, but it's still sort of a crap shoot.

And now I'm getting close to giving up on everything else. I've spend 2 years doing teacher's training. Last week I got the results from my teacher's practice (I failed) and got feedback. They told me I should quit, that I will never be able to teach. They gave me a lot of rude comments and said I shouldn't even bother trying again. Apparantly I appear too nervous and confused, which comes to show the meaning of perceptions. I've felt pretty comfortable in the classroom but that's not what others see. My anxiety is still there and it's full blown, but I can no longer identify it which makes it a bitch to work on.

Don't get sad, get angry. Use their criticisms against them and keep trying to become the best you can to rub it in their face later (not literally). You now know some of your personal hiccups, now you can focus on them. If you have any friends (even one will do), co-workers, or family, practice in front of them to get more comfortable. Another thing that might help is trying to adapt a new persona geared towards teaching. It may sound weird but it made my public speaking classes a hell of a lot easier.

And that's the answer I've been trying to get my whole life (why I can't make friends). People can smell my fear and it scares people away. So no matter how hard I work, I just keep failing at everything.

So right now it's a matter of dealing with my anxiety because trying to get rid of it causes a lot of stress and pain.

ps: yeah I'm the one who made the "not giving a fuck" thread but you should admit I'm right in giving a fuck when suddenly my entire future goes up in flames.

Saw this on reddit yesterday and I really liked it.

We all fail all the time. It's the people who learn from their failures and keep trying, they're the ones who succeed.

 

[xelios]

.

 

[scar tissue]

Skyoex, this is not for people who want to be alone. Go make your own thread.

I'm sorry but I'm someone who needs a lot of social contact and can't get any at all. I just quit Facebook because it's been giving me too much stress for the past 3 years. Facebook made me realize even more that no one gives a fuck about me. People ignoring my messages to them, not getting a single happy bday 3 years in a row. I know that's fucking stupid to give a fuck about, so I just gave up on Facebook.

And now I'm getting close to giving up on everything else. I've spend 2 years doing teacher's training. Last week I got the results from my teacher's practice (I failed) and got feedback. They told me I should quit, that I will never be able to teach. They gave me a lot of rude comments and said I shouldn't even bother trying again. Apparently I appear too nervous and confused, which comes to show the meaning of perceptions. I've felt pretty comfortable in the classroom but that's not what others see. My anxiety is still there and it's full blown, but I can no longer identify it which makes it a bitch to work on.

And that's the answer I've been trying to get my whole life (why I can't make friends). People can smell my fear and it scares people away. So no matter how hard I work, I just keep failing at everything.

So right now it's a matter of dealing with my anxiety because trying to get rid of it causes a lot of stress and pain.

ps: yeah I'm the one who made the "not giving a fuck" thread but you should admit I'm right in giving a fuck when suddenly my entire future goes up in flames.

Even though you won't believe it, they are doing you a favor.
Life as a teacher is hell if you aren't 100% confident. I've seen many a grown man or woman reduced to a hollow shell by a horde of teenagers.
If you have social anxiety, you will be crushed. Destroyed. Obliterated.
My anxiety is quite a bit less than yours, I'd say, but i would never, ever consider becoming a teacher.
A professor teaching at a university, yes. But never kids/teenagers.

Sorry to hear that you no longer notice if you are exhibiting anxiety symptoms.
I hate how I'm totally self-conscious and feel the slightest symptoms already before others notice them, but I guess it's better than what you have to endure.
I'm genuinely sorry, man.

 

[FleckSplat]

I think most of my social anxiety stems from my appearance. If I started exercising, eating healthier, and going outside more I'd probably be better off but I don't...

 

[solarus]

EDIT: Actually, forget about this.

 

[kehs]

I think most of my social anxiety stems from my appearance. If I started exercising, eating healthier, and going outside more I'd probably be better off but I don't...

Not to dissuade you from actually doing that, but that's a thought process that involves creating hurdles that aren't actually related to the real issue at hand.

While self confidence will help you, do not be surprised when the anxiety still remains.

 

[karasu]

I was terminally shy. Until I got a retail job and came to realize how stupid everyone is. It turns out that I've been giving people entirely too much credit, and not giving myself enough.

 

[Kentpaul]

dude in my house fixing my boiler, anxiety is through the roof, but my anxiety in general has went away since i stopped smoking weed/tobacco.

 

[Izayoi]

Social interaction is for losers.

Spoiler

It took me a long time when I was younger to get over my fear of social interaction. Start small, with stuff like phone calls. Talk to people you know over the phone - not texting, actual conversation. Go to family events, if possible. It takes baby steps and a lot of time, but if you're willing to persevere it's worth it.

I was terminally shy. Until I got a retail job and came to realize how stupid everyone is. It turns out that I've been giving people entirely too much credit, and not giving myself enough.

This too. You are better than most people, I can guarantee that. Take it to heart. Anything that boosts your confidence is a plus.

 

[BowieZ]

see a GP, then see a psychologist for 6-12 sessions, and take meds.

pretty easy really. you have no excuse*.

*well some of you may have some decent excuses, but if you can afford internet, you can afford medical help.

 

[Izayoi]

see a GP, then see a psychologist for 6-12 sessions, and take meds.

pretty easy really.

Seeing a psychologist, if it's really that bad, sure. Taking meds I'm not sold on, unless you know for sure that there is an underlying disorder causing your anxiety.

 

[Ryaaan14]

Is it weird that I consider myself an extremely social person, yet am very uncomfortable doing the things listed in the OP?

Was diagnosed with anxiety disorder about 6 years ago, but conquered it after a year of treatment. I just think there's a big difference between stretching yourself to do what others may find respectable, and doing things that you want to do but may struggle to find the courage to do. I feel like people need to focus on the latter.

 

[trollcity]

i made a new years resolution to make more eyecontact and it has been really good! you can more accurately gauge peoples' reactions and they feel more of a connection with you. hard at first but gets easier/more comfortable

 

[NaughtyCalibur]

Or, you'll realize that 5 people saying "fuck off" doesn't hurt as much as you think it will. Either way, interaction is probably better than none.

Exactly, and I think that's the point.

I used to have social anxiety like a mother fucker. It started around middle school and I didn't start really coming out of it until I started college. Now I am fairly comfortable just talking to whoever. Don't like me? Your loss.

Just a few months back when I was in Chicago for the first time (I'm from Cleveland), I went around town randomly saying hello to people, letting them know I was from Cleveland (lol, who gives a shit?), and then giving them a random compliment. I just did this for fun, really. I got a lot of odd looks, and most of the time I'd just be ignored, but I didn't let that get to me at all. Then this cute girl thought I was "hilarious" and started talking me up, so that alone made it worth it.

Being afraid to talk to people is the most irrational fear I can think of. Well, unless you're in east Cleveland. In that case best just keep to yourself unless Kevlar is part of your wardrobe. :S

 

[Soul_Pie]

I actually found diet and exercise to be of the best benefit for me, I was on SSRI's for a while and though it helped with feeling comfortable in social scenarios it completely wiped me out, I was sleeping far too long and I felt like it was dulling my senses a lot. I would recommend taking them to relieve the symptoms but it wasn't a long term solution for me.

Breathing exercises have also helped me out a lot, as well as limiting my caffeine intake as well.

 

[leadbelly]

Walk down the street in this suit on a hot summer's day.

For some strange reason, I've always wanted to turn up at a job interview wearing something like this. Or maybe go to a classy restaurant.

 

[Tomat]

Walk down the street in this suit on a hot summer's day.

For some strange reason, I've always wanted to turn up at a job interview wearing something like this. Or maybe go to a classy restaurant.

I would so do that.

 

[Neoriceisgood]

How do I know if I have social anxiety or not?

 

[Ryaaan14]

Exactly, and I think that's the point.

I used to have social anxiety like a mother fucker. It started around middle school and I didn't start really coming out of it until I started college. Now I am fairly comfortable just talking to whoever. Don't like me? Your loss.

Just a few months back when I was in Chicago for the first time (I'm from Cleveland), I went around town randomly saying hello to people, letting them know I was from Cleveland (lol, who gives a shit?), and then giving them a random compliment. I just did this for fun, really. I got a lot of odd looks, and most of the time I'd just be ignored, but I didn't let that get to me at all. Then this cute girl thought I was "hilarious" and started talking me up, so that alone made it worth it.

Being afraid to talk to people is the most irrational fear I can think of. Well, unless you're in east Cleveland. In that case best just keep to yourself unless Kevlar is part of your wardrobe. :S

But here's the thing, you are not doing yourself any good by forcing interactions upon strangers. Yes, you're proving to yourself you can overcome the awkwardness of opening up to someone you don't know, but for what purpose? This act alone isn't something I'd want everyone to practice, for the simple fact that I don't want 100 people trying to interact with me on my everyday routine.

You have to work at it on a situational basis. Try going out to a bar or something and breaking the ice, or better yet just hone in on your skills with your friends/co-workers. Once you get to the point where you feel you can project your true personality, you've won. If you aren't the type of person who can scream out to strangers in the middle of the street, who cares, that's not what any person should be anyway.

Quality > quantity. Do what YOU do best. If you are an expert at conversation, yet hate to initiate it without some sort of basis, then so be it. Forced interactions are shit. You will have a great social life just being witty with someone who you actually share something with.

 

[scar tissue]

Walk down the street in this suit on a hot summer's day.

For some strange reason, I've always wanted to turn up at a job interview wearing something like this. Or maybe go to a classy restaurant.

i have social anxiety and i'd have no problem doing this for the lulz
you have to face the actual, real challenges, not invent silly ones

 

[scar tissue]

How do I know if I have social anxiety or not?

does your pulse go up massively if you face unexpected social situations?
e.g. you go to the kitchen to get a drink, and you see that your roommate has invited 3 or 4 of his buddies
if you are normal, you'd be surprised, then just say hi and be done with it
if you have social anxiety, you will probably be scared shitless for a minute or so, like a normal person would be if something deadly, such as a lion, was in the kitchen
you will experience one or multiple of the following symptoms (intensity may vary): heightened pulse, shivering, reduced control of limbs
basically, you experience mortal fear in many social situations

i'm a guy who doesn't fear most stuff normal people fear (heights, spiders, snakes, darkness,...) at all, so i don't experience much fear outside of social anxiety
that makes those incidents especially extreme for me

 

[Shaneus]

does your pulse go up massively if you face unexpected social situations?
e.g. you go to the kitchen to get a drink, and you see that your roommate has invited 3 or 4 of his buddies
if you are normal, you'd be surprised, then just say hi and be done with it
if you have social anxiety, you will probably be scared shitless for a minute or so, like a normal person would be if something deadly, such as a lion, was in the kitchen
you will experience one or multiple of the following symptoms (intensity may vary): heightened pulse, shivering, reduced control of limbs
basically, you experience mortal fear in many social situations

i'm a guy who doesn't fear most stuff normal people fear (heights, spiders, snakes, darkness,...) at all, so i don't experience much fear outside of social anxiety
that makes those incidents especially extreme for me

Bingo. The fear of social interactions with people I don't know just paralyses me. But the funny thing is, 90% of the time a minute or two in that anxiety starts to taper off. That first impression though, I reckon that just about fucks me for the rest of the interaction.

 

[The Xtortionist]

Think of everyone else as NPCs.

 

[bengraven]

Going to school this fall. My social anxiety is starting to come back. I exised it years ago right before going to school the first time, but as I've gotten older and fatter I'm getting back to high school levels of anxiety. ha

 

[leadbelly]

i have social anxiety and i'd have no problem doing this for the lulz
you have to face the actual, real challenges, not invent silly ones

There is a serious point to it though. If you walked down the street on a blisteringly hot day in that gear, people are going to look at you; a lot of people are going to look at you.

 

[Astery]

I sometimes dose off into "fuck it I don't want to think of shit to talk about" mode when going out with my friends, in groups or not, then silence will kick in and after awhile I feel awkward, so I have to think of something to talk about. If the silence stays too long it will be harder to find them to hang out the next time as it's kind of boring I guess.

Kind of fucked with my interests are getting further away from my locals culture. Some of them like to go for karaoke, some of them basketball, while my interest is in doing gym, soccer, tennis and some other shit, and I don't like to do what they like to do generally. I watch foreign tv shows, enjoys foreign music as well so when i talk about them some of my friends will have no interest about them.

I'm cool with talking with strangers for the first time but I totally lack skills to keep them connected with me. Like I can get to know them until I have nothing to talk about with them and so I would not ask them to hang out sometimes. I guess I'm just boring most of the time.

Any tips gaf?

 

[scar tissue]

I sometimes dose off into "fuck it I don't want to think of shit to talk about" mode when going out with my friends, in groups or not, then silence will kick in and after awhile I feel awkward, so I have to think of something to talk about. If the silence stays too long it will be harder to find them to hang out the next time as it's kind of boring I guess.

Kind of fucked with my interests are getting further away from my locals culture. Some of them like to go for karaoke, some of them basketball, while my interest is in doing gym, soccer, tennis and some other shit, and I don't like to do what they like to do generally. I watch foreign tv shows, enjoys foreign music as well so when i talk about them some of my friends will have no interest about them.

I'm cool with talking with strangers for the first time but I totally lack skills to keep them connected with me. Like I can get to know them until I have nothing to talk about with them and so I would not ask them to hang out sometimes. I guess I'm just boring most of the time.

Any tips gaf?

I know this problem too, it can be hard as fuck to find something to say after being quiet for ~5min
Still, as my anxiety has gotten better in the last months, i found that saying something after a prolonged pause has become easier too
The best course of action is still to keep talking if you aren't comfortable, you will become more comfortable as the conversation progresses

 

[kehs]

I sometimes dose off into "fuck it I don't want to think of shit to talk about" mode when going out with my friends, in groups or not, then silence will kick in and after awhile I feel awkward, so I have to think of something to talk about. If the silence stays too long it will be harder to find them to hang out the next time as it's kind of boring I guess.

Kind of fucked with my interests are getting further away from my locals culture. Some of them like to go for karaoke, some of them basketball, while my interest is in doing gym, soccer, tennis and some other shit, and I don't like to do what they like to do generally. I watch foreign tv shows, enjoys foreign music as well so when i talk about them some of my friends will have no interest about them.

I'm cool with talking with strangers for the first time but I totally lack skills to keep them connected with me. Like I can get to know them until I have nothing to talk about with them and so I would not ask them to hang out sometimes. I guess I'm just boring most of the time.

Any tips gaf?

Pay attention to how other people talk when they are having a conversation.

You'll notice something fairly quickly, you have to be self imposed in a conversation for it to last.

People talk about themselves, what they think, what they like, how it'll affect them. Most tend to do it without noticing it. If they're talking about something voice your opinion of it. That's all conversations are.

I used to have a problem injecting my my opinions because I figured "they don't want to hear what I think", but then you realize if that was true they wouldn't have you around.

 

[RCizzle65]

I don't think I have anxiety, but my mind does tend to think much differently when I'm with others, and by that I mean I think my brain freezes when I'm around others. So much easier to talk behind a phone or laptop >_>. Also doesn't help that I'm introverted so I don't really talk unless I have something to say

 

[Prez]

does your pulse go up massively if you face unexpected social situations?
e.g. you go to the kitchen to get a drink, and you see that your roommate has invited 3 or 4 of his buddies
if you are normal, you'd be surprised, then just say hi and be done with it
if you have social anxiety, you will probably be scared shitless for a minute or so, like a normal person would be if something deadly, such as a lion, was in the kitchen
you will experience one or multiple of the following symptoms (intensity may vary): heightened pulse, shivering, reduced control of limbs
basically, you experience mortal fear in many social situations

That is just one form of social anxiety. Mine is completely different. I have an unconscious fear that reduces some mental skills dramatically (I seem uncertain, confused, concentration loss and memory is affected as well), yet I don't feel afraid of anything. No heightened pulse, shivering or reduced control of limbs.

Sometimes my anxiety is suddenly gone (without alcohol or any other drug) and the difference is huge. Those moments are rare though and I have no control of it. But based on those few moments, I can say my life would vastly improve if I was like that all the time. It's very frustrating realizing there is a vast ocean of potential trapped inside you but it won't come out.

 

[Sickboy007]

Fuck i hate summer.
Every time i step outside even to do some minor errand i come home soaking wet looking like a fucking desert explorer.

 

[Siegfried]

Well, i don't know if I actually suffer from social anxiety or if in reality I'm just too shy.

Thing is this was bothering me and I decided to end it, so in the last month I almost turned my life upside down.

I started going out every weekend with a friend from my work. I'm getting braver and braver by the day to hit on girls and to my amusement, it's way easier then I thought, I've been pretty successful with them and learned that a "no" hurts A LOT LESS than we fear. I'm considered a pretty guy but my shyness or anxiety always held me back.

I'm getting a tattoo done next week, I'm already looking at places. It's something I always wanted to do but was afraid and will serve to boost my confidence and remember the moment I decided to shift my life.

I joined the gym, something I always hated and was really, really afraid. People with toned bodies all around me, don't know why but it's the place I hate the most in the world, I just feel bad there, but I'm learning to control it. I'm not fat at all, but I feel kind awkward when I lift 20kg around people that can lift 60kg. But fuck it, they all were like me when they started right?

I'm learning to open myself more to my friends, tell them things I always kept for myself. I was a really closed person in relation to my feelings.

My point is, sometime the way you are will bother you so much that you'll get the will to start changing things.

 

[params7]

Here's the deal, the more you sunk in the more you'll be afraid of society. The more you talk and you're out there, that feeling will disappear. It will be difficult at first, you'll try to hard, maybe stammer whatever but that is COMPLETELY normal but keep at it and it will go away. Do some volunteer work, or hell get a mic and play competitive games online, join a clan and play competitively that will get you to talk to other people and there would be lots to talk about.



Man IS a social creature by DNA, you anxiety can't change that, only delude it.

 

[TimHortons]

I find its mostly a language barrier here. I am in Quebec so I don't talk to anyone outside of Work or my circle of friends. If I am in the US or Ontario I am way more social. Don't know why I still live here... haha