[Gidzmo]

I don't know anything about social anxiety. I haven't been very comfortable around people for the longest time....I don't remember how long.

I don't know if it's just how I am, or if there's something else going on.

[lynn P.]

This is something you could explore in therapy, if you have one. Some people are naturally introverted, others could be this way because of what happened as they grew up. Some are just fine being this way and others feel it's holds them back and they want to improve. I used to be very shy but wasn't happy with the limitations so I learned to manage it - it didn't 100% take it away but it's managable.

[Perna]

It's very hard to be comfortable doing things you don't normally do; it takes practice learning how to be social (that's partly what schools are supposed to teach), get along and work with others, etc.

Therapy helped me to get to know and talk with another person in a "safe" environment and I took that experience and additional work I did with my husband and applied it to my family and friends, work situation and, gradually, the "rest of the world".

[Gidzmo]

Originally Posted by Perna

It's very hard to be comfortable doing things you don't normally do; it takes practice learning how to be social (that's partly what schools are supposed to teach), get along and work with others, etc.

I can work and get on well with others. But I often find that what makes some people laugh doesn't always strike me as funny. Some of my family drink alcohol; I don't care for it.

[with or without you]

if you find it's really holding you back and interfering with your everyday life/relationships, then you might have it and you should seek help. Many people are shy, however, their shyness does not control their lives. I have social anxiety and it's really frustrating to try to explain to people that this isn't just normal shyness that everyone experiences from time to time. It's kind of ruined my youth, somewhat, especially in my teenage years. I missed out on a lot. I mean, I like my solitude more than the average person, but not to this extreme.

[Gidzmo]

Originally Posted by with or without you

if you find it's really holding you back and interfering with your everyday life/relationships, then you might have it and you should seek help.

Is there a test you can take for it?

[with or without you]

Originally Posted by Gidzmo

Is there a test you can take for it?

no "accurate" ones that I know of...I only trust professionals to make an actual diagnosis.

There are a few professionals on this message board, maybe someone can chime in...