I agree! You showed up that is a good thing i can so relate to social anxiety. The holidays are super hard for me...as are crowds, unruly people and lack of organized "chaos" traffic is stressful for me, as well.

The main thing I try to focus on, though, are the little things that I have been able to accomplish. It helps when I read back here, and remember a time when I couldnt go out of the office at all...and now, 8 months later, i can walk outside by myself to the building next door. A small step forward

Something that came to mind too is when you mentioned your son bringing up his perceptions...perhaps there is a kernal of truth in it that he observed. Your discomfort. But you are with each other 24/7 so makes sense he would notice a little change. Many people may not have even noticed it or simply thought you were quiet or shy.

But at the same time, dont most kids start thinking of their parents as "dorks" at a certain age?

I think it is fabulous that you went. I hope you will give yourself some credit for that. You faced a fear