i have been called "phobic" and "anxious" for so long, i finally just 'Made UP', the term avoidant, because i don't feel afraid, just ,,, avoidant... how nice to finally see others talking about it... i could never seem to explain to other people, even so-called therapists and Pdocs, why i go to the door and just freeze... i would even go sit down and tell myself it was an intuition trying to help me avoid another traumatic event... but the one word that came up over and over was "Avoid"... do i want to get over it, or do i want to avoid that much work? do i like feeling safe more than i want shallow social contacts ?? (YES) so,, online has been a great blessing to me, contact without committment, PRN, as needed,, disengage when full or offended. finally, a way to have SOME kind of a social life that i can tolerate. best wishes to you all,, Gus