[two sons]

Hi everyone,
Last night we attended Senior parent night at our son's football game. My husband and I were introduced with our son along with the other senior athletes and parents. I did not enjoy this, but I thought it went okay.

Today my son asked me why I am so awkward around people. I guess I didn't realize that my anxiety is so obvious to others - embarrassing for my son.

Just makes me feel bad I guess.

[LucyG]

I'm sorry your son felt embarrassed by your anxiety.

Some of us just aren't the belle's of the ball, and will always struggle in social situations. I hate them myself, and other that going to church, I try to avoid being in a crowd where I'm supposed to socialize as I always feel lost.

[tigerlily84]

I struggle with this as well. Unfortunately, there really isn't anything you can do about how others perceive you, since that's outside of your control. You can only do your best. Give yourself some credit. You showed up! Sometimes I can't even make it that far.

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

[LostMom3]

I have issues with going to public places whether it is a schoold function or just shopping. I feel like people are staring and judging me. Crowds flip me out because I feel like I can't breath. Meeting stranger is hard also. Although I can handle this last one easier than the others. I pretend to be someone else, someone that is more confident and self assured.

[shortandcute]

that can be hard; my daughter doesn't like going shopping with me and neither does my oldest sister--my social phobia was pretty obvious to quite a few people even b4 my dx! when i got the Dx-I told my son and he said, "I could've told you that!"

My mother got sooo mad at me and stormed out of a department store because I wanted to try on clothes at home and not in the store. It is hard enough for me to go to crowded, public places but she refused to understand or show the slightest bit of understanding or sympathy and punished me by leaving the store abruptly in anger AT me.

I have had sad since I was little but my family refused to acknowledge it and forced me to do things I did not want to do or simply refused to try to understand what was wrong so they could be supportive. I was labeled difficult and / or crazy.

Back to shopping debacle, when we were in the car, the first thing she mentioned she heard a radio interview in which she heard a father saying his son created so much trouble for the family, he wished his son committed sui.

I told her to take me home. I havent seen her since.

[shortandcute]

Oh, I'm sorry that has happened to you. I've had people get kind of frustrated with me--but it mostly was becasue they thought that I just didn't like being with them. Lately, my family have been realizing that my social phobia is MY problem and it is not personal.

Originally Posted by shortandcute

Oh, I'm sorry that has happened to you. I've had people get kind of frustrated with me--but it mostly was becasue they thought that I just didn't like being with them. Lately, my family have been realizing that my social phobia is MY problem and it is not personal.

I am really glad that your family is there for you and they are being more supportive!

[Tsuki632]

I struggle with social situations too. I feel like an alien observer most of the time. Friends seem to be able to talk about pop culture whereas I'm more likely to spit up useless trivia about strange things. I just don't know what to say/do so I avoid.

Good for you for showing up.