I'm finally realizing that even though I'm at a huge school, people won't just magically come to me, so I'm trying to make new friends, go new places, and enjoy myself. I want to be the guy that everyone knows, who is always busy. Problem is, I don't understand how to start since I don't know anyone, and since I've been in this situation for two years now, I can't play the "new in town" card anymore. Help?
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posted by anonymous
on Apr 15, 2013 -
33 answers
It's been four + years now, but I continue to experience a lot of social anxiety & PTSD related symptoms. How do I come to terms with the idea that I can't escape my past and the people from my past?
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 17, 2013 -
11 answers
About a decade ago I started University in the UK. Towards the end of my first year a friend I made began to become paranoid. His behaviour towards me was particularly troubling, and eventually rumours circulated that he had been institutionalised. I have always wondered what happened to him, and if he is OK. My concerns linger these many years later, but tracking him down online has achieved nothing. Is there any way I can find out if everything turned out alright for him, preferably without causing too many ripples?
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 11, 2013 -
12 answers
I ran into someone at a party that I'd previously met briefly in a clinical setting (in a position of authority), but I lacked the social tact to refrain from mentioning this. Is there anything I could have done to right the situation?
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posted by anonymous
on Jan 20, 2013 -
23 answers
Starting to feel uncomfortable about work events which are allegedly optional but don't turn out to be. How to approach this with boss?
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posted by anonymous
on Dec 21, 2012 -
19 answers
Do I have an appropriate background for admissions to an MSW program? Lots of details inside.
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 3, 2012 -
10 answers
I'm wondering if I'm being too sensitive regarding a perceived slight from one of my friends at a party? I have a mild case of social anxiety which may be exacerbating this. Details inside.
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 22, 2012 -
23 answers
I was (am?) socially broken, and had (have?) crippled my self-confidence, as well as my body. Help me fix me.
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posted by anonymous
on Sep 3, 2012 -
31 answers
Why am I always uncomfortable around people? What the hell is wrong with me, mentally? *Warning* LONG LONG LONG READ, but probably interesting?*
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posted by anonymous
on Jul 15, 2012 -
25 answers
How do I interact with an adult brother of my girlfriend I am meeting for the first time... who may have Asperger's/autism spectrum...... in a way that makes them feel comfortable?
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posted by anonymous
on Jun 29, 2012 -
18 answers
For the first time in my life, I feel confident enough to start dating. Thing is, my life situation isn't great at the moment, but should hopefully be better in the next 3-6 months. Should I actually start, or hold off?
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posted by anonymous
on Jun 23, 2012 -
23 answers
What would you suggest for improved social skills, fitting in, decreased awkwardness, and undoing a reputation for being annoying at work? I'd especially love help for nerds with social anxiety who need to fit in with mainstreamy socialite sorts of people.
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posted by anonymous
on Apr 30, 2012 -
20 answers
I believe that my parents are about to make a terrible financial mistake by purchasing a house for my sister. When I bring up my objections, they assume it is because I am jealous and they get defensive. How can I express my concerns in a way in which they will listen, and not just brush my concerns off?
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posted by anonymous
on Apr 29, 2012 -
33 answers
I am a high school junior who is growing unsatisfied with his social life. How can I meet people outside of school?
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posted by anonymous
on Apr 21, 2012 -
20 answers
Do people prone to depression and similar illnesses tend to (unwittingly?) form social groups together?
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posted by anonymous
on Apr 3, 2012 -
6 answers
High School-esque Drama Filter! My friend recently told me that a friend of hers is interested in me. With my consent, she's arranged a group dinner on Friday and invited both of us along. There's no reason that this thing should faze me, but the amount of freaking out I'm doing right now is ridiculous. Help me calm down before I cancel out of sheer panic!
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 29, 2012 -
11 answers
You're a smart, awesome guy with serious social anxiety. What's the least awful way a friend could let you know they have feelings for you?
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posted by anonymous
on Dec 11, 2011 -
35 answers
How do I get better at banter and better enjoy and participate in workplace conversation and jocularity?
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posted by anonymous
on Dec 9, 2011 -
17 answers
Is it possible to move rented accommodation in the UK, in London, while claiming Housing Benefit?
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 10, 2011 -
8 answers
I have a weird brain that needs fixing. Any recommendations for NHS advice/private psychiatric recommendations in London?
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posted by anonymous
on Jul 13, 2011 -
7 answers
For much of my life I dealt with rather severe depression and anxiety, which I've recently overcome with nearly 3 years of therapy. I'm 24 years old, trying to find a meaningful career that's more than just a paycheck. At this point, all I want to do is be a therapist. I want to help others the way that I've been helped. However, another issue I've been working to overcome is crippling social anxiety. It's gotten much better; I hardly consider myself shy anymore. Still, though, I'm not sure if I have the warm, trust-inspiring personality a therapist should have. Could I be a successful therapist if I'm far quieter and more reserved than the norm? I do love people and want to help, but sometimes I might not come across that way. Can a shy person be a good therapist?
posted by anonymous
on Jun 12, 2011 -
16 answers
Do people (especially men) tend to assume that a newly single woman of >45 must be desperate for a new partner, or am I misinterpreting normal conversational gambits?
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posted by anonymous
on Jun 2, 2011 -
32 answers
I suspect I have Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Avoidant Personality Disorder. My current psychiatrist is only treating me for Social Anxiety/selective mutism. During our first session he did not focus on what I consider to be the disorders causing me to remain homebound and avoidant of people.
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posted by anonymous
on Apr 25, 2011 -
13 answers
Is there anything I can say to discourage my socially-anxious friend from giving pedantic lectures?
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posted by anonymous
on Apr 22, 2011 -
26 answers
For a long time now I've been aching to feel part of a larger community. Have you ever felt this way? How did you handle it? Have you ever built or been a part of a tight-knit social circle or community that lasted?
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 10, 2011 -
29 answers
[Life Path/Career Advice Filter]: How can someone a person with diagnosed depression work in the field of human rights and social justice?
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posted by anonymous
on Jan 12, 2011 -
5 answers
I'm a woman in my 30s. Six months ago, I moved cities to be with my boyfriend. Things with him are going pretty well, but I really, really miss my old friends, and I really need to make some new friends. How can I make some new friends?
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posted by anonymous
on Dec 23, 2010 -
16 answers
I seem to have a neverending list since adulthood of people that just simply do not like me, and increasingly shorter list of those that do. How do I become less of an asshole?
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posted by anonymous
on Dec 2, 2010 -
55 answers
How can a quiet and reserved person make living with very social individuals work? What's the best way to reconcile each side's concerns about the living situation?
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 27, 2010 -
21 answers
I'm in the process of developing an online community (for a fairly specific industry/group of people) and was hoping to hear from others about their experiences during the early months/first year of getting an online community to grow.
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posted by anonymous
on Sep 8, 2010 -
3 answers
A couple of years ago, an acquaintance invited me to join a book club that met on Wednesday nights. I joined and came to meetings for several months. Then, one night, I walked in on Thursday night book club by accident...
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posted by anonymous
on Aug 10, 2010 -
11 answers
I was "homeschooled" from age 11 to 18 by emotionally/verbally abusive and neglectful parents. During this time I was deprived of contact with the outside world, an education, medical care, and much needed therapy and medication for what is obvious to most people in the world except my parents.
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posted by anonymous
on Jul 25, 2010 -
30 answers
How and where does a chick in her late twenties meet guys in Los Angeles? I'm single for the first time in eons, and I'm just starting to come out of my shy shell, too. I'm looking forward to the casual dating scene, except I'm clueless as to where to go (and what to do)! I *don't* want to try anything internet-related (not even meetups) this time. The internet's always been a crutch for me, and I want to overcome that. I will sometimes be with other friends, but sometimes I'm going to be on my own. Which I'm excited about! ...but a total n00b. Help me figure out where to go and how to attract some attention without desperately clinging to a friend's arm.
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 30, 2010 -
10 answers
I've got a lot of quirks, and my friends are fairly tolerant of them, but I'm beginning to think they might be indicative of a deeper social anxiety that's beginning to spiral into depression. How should I seek therapy? I live in the US, and I've heard that it can be quite expensive.
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 12, 2010 -
9 answers
I am a biracial female in my mid-thirties. Growing up in the 1980's as a mixed kid was no fun, but I survived. My mother was white, and my dad was not a strong black role-model; his family was not a part of my life, and likewise, I did not have any influence from Black culture as I grew up. My parents also sent me to a suburban school, which was predominantly white, so it was very hard to fit in there...I went through school with few friends, and college did not offer much chance to establish any more. By most interpretations, I would likely have fit in better in a "white: crowd (culturally, socially) but phsically I am still a black person. Still, due to my lack of racial identity, it was very hard to fit in anywhere. Fast forward to my question:) Present day well into the new century, I have a successful career and a small real-estate investment business. However, I find that I still have a lot of trouble in work, with my business and with making friends.
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 15, 2010 -
26 answers
What is the best way for a couple to tell their mutual friends that they're ending a long-term relationship?
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 13, 2009 -
14 answers
How do I deal with anxiety about my discrete social groups interacting with one another?
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posted by anonymous
on Sep 13, 2009 -
12 answers
I'm making a career change to be a psychotherapist/clinical psychologist. As a result of this I'm returning to university this month in my early thirties to study an undergraduate degree. In order to make a success of this I want all aspects of it to go well including the social aspects. I have a lot of common sense and am somewhat introverted though not painfully. I'd really welcome any tips on getting the most out of this experience, particularly in terms of easing meeting new people and forming new friendships. I'm UK based.
posted by anonymous
on Sep 9, 2009 -
7 answers
Defended the MA, it's on its way to being published. Great! Dissertation chair wants me to continue with the project, adding a qualitative/comparative component. Uh oh.
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posted by anonymous
on Jul 31, 2009 -
8 answers
I smoke a cigarette a day during the work week. I've been doing this for a few months now. Am I going to die of lung cancer?
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posted by anonymous
on Jun 18, 2009 -
33 answers
How do i get over my fear of intimacy in friendships, and actually let myself get into close friendships and not push people away? Help me sort out my problems with intimacy and social anxiety, and fix it.
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posted by anonymous
on May 11, 2009 -
8 answers
