Social Anxiety Disorder or Just Shy?
Do I have social anxiety disorder or am I just plain shy?
Anxiety Question:
Do I have social anxiety disorder or am I just plain shy? I have been thinking about this for a year now and I'm not sure what to do. I have always been shy but I think that my shyness is something more serious.
I don't get the anxiety, panic attacks or tremors that people with Social Anxiety Disorder get, but I'm more than just "shy" when it comes to talking with people, especially females.
A girl could tell me her name and it won't even come close to being remembered because the only thing I am thinking is "Is she interested in talking to me?" or "she probably thinks I'm an idiot."
It's funny, I won't shut up in front of people I know or in a setting where I know I will be funny or liked but the second you put me with a stranger, I can't communicate.
Anxiety Answer:
Sounds to me like you suffer from low self esteem rather than social anxiety disorder. You don't think you're good enough for other people to like you, so you are worried that they won't.
You are so obsessed with what they think of you, that you aren't even paying attention to them. So, they probably won't like you; no one likes to be ignored when they are talking, which will only make your problem worse.
If you want to get comfortable with someone, you have to get to know them. The best way to do this is to get them talking about themselves. Listen to what they say. Respond to them.
Nerves can be bad, but there is no magic pill that will fix what your problem is. Only practice can help.
Don't worry about what the other person thinks about you. The worst that can happen is they won't be interested and you move on. Try not to pressure yourself and try to relax and be yourself.
Girls aren't looking for un-nervous guys; we're looking for guys that pay attention to us.
Back from Anxiety Answer
to Anxiety Questions