Hi,

I have dealt with a lot of my issues and feeling better these days but I still have a problem with going out, particularly with places like restaurants. I want to form more friendships and find a life partner, but that is hard when I am freaked out about going out. I can do it, but it is through sheer will-power and because of that, I just don't enjoy myself and feel so much relief when the experience is over that it re-affirms the social phobia.

I can talk with doctors, shop owners, authorities, etc, no problems there. I can go out to the shops, although there is slight uncomfortableness there. I can go to a friend's house, but it starts getting harder here. Going out at night, very hard. Going out at night and to a restaurant with a friend, very, very hard, easier if my family is there. Going out with a guy, impossible, I am going to end up feeling so sick that I won't sleep for days, and start to get physically sick and that doesn't matter if I like him a little or a lot.

I am trying to figure out a way, not just to control the anxiety, but actually look past it towards enjoying my time with people. For me, people other than my family are threatening to various degrees.

Any advice, or perhaps share your story?