I dread most social situations. Leading up to a social event, I worry about it for days and weeks, sometimes over-preparing for it.
For me, few things are worse than being criticized, judged, rejected, and/or ridiculed by others.
I blush, tremble, and/or sweat out of nervousness in just about every social situation — and hate that others can easily see it.
I worry that others will think less of me or ridicule me if they see how anxious I am.
I can’t tolerate others observing me, even when I’m just eating, drinking, working out, or engaging in “normal” behavior.
Meeting unfamiliar people is so difficult for me that I often avoid it.
I often worry about saying the wrong thing and/or sounding dumb when I talk to others.
I go out of my way to avoid uncomfortable social situations. For example, I’ll take a different route to work if it means avoiding interacting with others. Or I’ll make a phone call privately because I’m concerned about sounding awkward.
I feel self-conscious in just about every social interaction. I’m seldom relaxed.
Holding eye contact is difficult for me.
I either avoid triggering social situations entirely or endure them with lots of anxiety and discomfort.
I’ve missed out on friendships, career opportunities, and life in general because of my social anxiety.
