Very helpful article (as usual)

Baby steps work. Dip your toes in the water and soon you’ll see that there are very few sharks, and most of them are in the deep end.

You rock Michele.

George
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This is a really great article. There is so much here, I hope the author keeps writing.

The more that people with social anxiety help each other the better. In fact it helps the helper as well to share tools of recovery.

I just wanted to mention that I was greatly helped with my own social anxiety problem by social anxiety support groups that I found though Social Anxiety Anonymous– http://www.healsocialanxiety.com

Best, Phil

The more that people with social anxiety help each other the better. In fact it helps the helper as well to share tools of recovery.

I just wanted to mention that I was greatly helped with my own social anxiety problem by social anxiety support groups that I found though Social Anxiety Anonymous

Best, Phil

Personally, I’m a homebody to start. I don’t even like having service people over! I also don’t do well in large crowds, like at the grocery store. I do start to panic, my heartbeat rises, and it’s all I can do to get out of there!

Online, though, I don’t have as much trouble. I don’t feel like anyone’s staring at me, or making me uncomfortable. However, I still question whether people understand what I mean, as I have a habit of sticking my foot in my mouth! There’s a lot of internalizing of other people’s opinions, real or imagined. Does anyone else do that as well?

Thanks again! This is important, as I imagine quite a few freelancers struggle with this issue. Perhaps some left the workplace, so as to avoid co-workers?

~Kimberlee

My tricks:
Fake it until you make it! I’ve just had to force myself out there. I also always have a drink (even just water) in hand to both keep me from fidgeting and give me an out if I just need to get away- either to the bathroom or for another drink!

Second- Get them talking. The easiest way for me to be social is to ask lots of questions. People generally love to talk about themselves and it takes the pressure off of me coming up with something to say. Plus, it has the added benefit of giving me lots of interesting stories and tidbits to add to my writing!

You know, I’d forgotten all the outgoing things I’d been doing this time last year. A couple of months before that wine tour I’d gone out with a similar crowd for Perth PTUB’S Talk Like A Pirate Day. And months before that I’d traveled all the way to L.A. I’ve already shared some of my Postcards from L.A. and I’ve got other experiences from that trip I’d still like to share.

It’s interesting how different times through out life we experience different emotions. I’ve realized the challenges I’ve had with my health must be more pronounced than I’d realized because you’re exactly right, I HAVE done it before, it shouldn’t be so scary to keep putting myself out there. But it is.

I guess that is why it is always just a beginning. Another step forward. Thankfully, we continue to grow through every experience and together we’re facing the world and creating our remarkable lives. Thank you again, for your friendship, and your wisdom.
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