People don’t like me. Somehow, I’m one of those individuals who rub most of the population the wrong way. All right, then. With that knowledge, how do I move ahead and have a decent life?
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posted by silly me
on May 19, 2013 -
24 answers
I've had this silly and embarrassing little problem for years and I'm noticing that it's getting worse. Sometimes, when I run into somebody I know or if I'm introducing somebody I know to somebody they don't know, I truly blank out on the name of the person I know.
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posted by iamkimiam
on May 18, 2013 -
25 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
I've asked similar questions on here, but I'm now focusing on one of my behaviours--Talking way too much, way too soon. I'm in France on exchange, and while I've made friends and calmed down a lot since my last question, I'm still in the habit of monopolizing conversations (ughhhh) and generally being an intense weirdo due to my social anxiety. I'm generally confident and extroverted and was improving on my intense-crazy communication style quite a bit, but this trip is bringing out the worst of my social anxiety bad habits. Please help!
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posted by rhythm_queen
on Jan 21, 2013 -
15 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
Looking for advice on best way to get more cardio exercise, for both physical and emotional health. Limitations: poor, bad knees and socially anxious.
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posted by Sarah_Lena
on Jan 6, 2013 -
22 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
Is it common when trying cognitive behavioral therapy for you to become more anxious when challenging your thoughts? Does cognitive behavioral therapy work for drug addicts? I have been a drug addict, and I have been trying CBT and sometimes I feel like I will always feel like this because I dont have something in my system. I have bad Social anxiety when i try to talk to people. It happens almost everyday. I hope CBT will eventually help, but I do not know if this is just the way I am because of a lack of dopamine in my system?
posted by Truts83
on Oct 8, 2012 -
5 answers
I've done absolutely nothing since graduating college in May 2011 due to social anxiety and other issues. The months seem to go by quicker and quicker. What should I do? I apologize in advance that my question is not that well organized.
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posted by theshire
on Sep 4, 2012 -
18 answers
For those of you with true social anxiety or generalized anxiety, what prescription drug worked the best for you with the fewest side effects? How much better did you feel on a daily basis, and were the side effects worth it?
posted by denverco
on Aug 20, 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
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
So I got picked up while visiting a friend in a different city, and I made myself seem available but I have a boyfriend and have a lot of other things on my plate. How do I get out of following up?
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posted by maykasahara
on Mar 2, 2012 -
15 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
Mental Health: I don't feel very good, mentally. And after taking some online mental health "tests" I wonder if I should do anything about it. Am I really as bad as the tests say that I am?
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posted by Sassyfras
on Feb 1, 2012 -
21 answers
When I get nervous in social situations, I feel the need to have something to sip on. If it's an alcoholic beverage, I can get over-inebriated. If it's non-alcoholic, I have to make constant trips to the bathroom. I need to break this habit or make it manageable.
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posted by lekvar
on Jan 18, 2012 -
28 answers
How does a person become a mechanic, ideally, and is this line of work compatible with social anxiety?
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posted by MrFish
on Jan 16, 2012 -
27 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
Help me understand the role caffeine might play in moderate to severe anxiety, intrusive thoughts (that I'm in danger) and occasional panic attacks. I'm perplexed by elimination of what I consider to be relatively low caffeine intake. Interested in others' experiences.
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posted by punkfloyd
on Oct 23, 2011 -
16 answers
Ways to get out and relieve cabin fever late at night, and maybe even be somewhat social?
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posted by polywomp
on Sep 27, 2011 -
13 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
I'm often told that I take things too literally or serious. What can I do to lighten up a bit and help my brain out?
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posted by CZMR
on Jun 12, 2011 -
8 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
Should I try online dating or stick to hoping to meet someone in the outside world? More details inside.
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posted by Polgara
on Feb 5, 2011 -
29 answers
I have a fear that people will perceive my intentions as the exact opposite of what they really are. I'm scared the people who I feel friendly towards will perceive me as hostile, rude, or uncaring. I worry that those I love the most will think I don't care. What the heck is my problem? And what can I do to straighten myself out?
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posted by chocolatemilkshakes
on Aug 19, 2010 -
8 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
I'm moving into a new neighborhood where a lot of nice people live. I'd love to meet them and make some new friends. But I'm dealing with some weight issues and therefore have low self-confidence, not to mention being a natural introvert. How do I get through this in a positive way?
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posted by georgiabloom
on Jun 30, 2010 -
26 answers
How do you grieve a friendship breakup when you work with the person? And how do you then get over the chronic hopelessness with being lonely?
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posted by bookwibble
on May 19, 2010 -
13 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
How does someone with minimal social skill get the most out of an organized gathering?
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posted by frwagon
on Nov 1, 2009 -
13 answers
Does anyone else feel like an imposter? I often have a hard time building relationships with people. I can be polite and make small talk with other people, but I struggle with making friends. I struggle with social anxiety which is part of the problem, but how do you move past it and build relationships with other people so that they are genuinely interested in getting to know you better?
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posted by Garden
on Oct 5, 2009 -
13 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 haven’t been to a doctor in nearly 10 years. 100% of this is due to what I believe is social anxiety. To get a real medical opinion I’d like/need to speak to a doctor. I cannot pickup the phone. (1) Looking for primary care physician recommendations near Columbia, MD and (2) advice on what to say to the person answering the phone.
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posted by syntheticfaith
on Jul 22, 2009 -
22 answers
I'm worried that I might have adult Asperger's or some similar social disorder that is keeping me from living a full and happy life. Lots of details after the jump.
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posted by fantine
on Jul 6, 2009 -
43 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
How can I help my 32-year-old sister conquer her intense fear of interacting with people?
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posted by anonymous
on Apr 3, 2009 -
9 answers
What steps did you take to find your partner in spite of social anxiety or severe shyness?
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posted by anonymous
on Apr 2, 2009 -
33 answers
For the past few months my girlfriend has felt very anxious when I have discussed going to out any social event with my friends, so I have been staying at home which makes her feel guilty but has been the only way she could cope. She wants to get better but doesn't know any skills or techniques for reducing anxiety that would help her, and her feelings of guilt only make things harder. Of course there's deep background inside.
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posted by AuroraSky
on Feb 18, 2008 -
12 answers
Can one fix social anxiety disorders or other socially-related disorders by becoming better at being well-liked?
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posted by philosophistry
on Aug 29, 2006 -
25 answers
I could use some insight/support from those who suffer from generalized or social anxiety disorder and their loved ones. Despite being medicated to the hilt - which works only to the extent that it deflects and masks total public meltdowns - I am increasingly unable to tolerate social functions or recover from "weird" encounters or awkward conversations. The problem is that I am feeling tremendous amounts of guilt for essentially ditching my awesome, beautiful, incredibly supportive wife by leaving her to fend for herself at parties or any kind of large gatherings.
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posted by anonymous
on May 27, 2006 -
18 answers
Last minute nerves and etiquette filter. I am soon to be heading overseas to stay with a friend I have not seen in many years. Whilst I am excited there is also a growing sense of nervousness. I will be staying for two weeks and I am aware this is a long period of time. I am quite a quiet and shy person and this sometime is mistaken for arrogance. How do I go about letting go of the anxiety, make a good impression, and, thus, remember this trip for all the right reasons?
posted by numberstation
on May 1, 2006 -
11 answers
