[AngstyLady]

I'm worse with people I know. I used to be good, back when I was an avid weed smoker, now it's like I'm having to re-learn everything- I remember now I was like this before- before college, when I started smoking. I wish I had career experience working in careers where I don't have to interact with people too much- it takes a lot of energy from me- part of the downsize of being an introvert . . whatever- that's the least of my worries- I've been having more social anxiety as of late, second guessing my emotions and others- it's really stupid and I hate myself for it. I feel better when I et a bunch of carbs- I learned a while back that bread and sch are really good anti-depressants- probably work well with anxiety as well (apparently so in my case).
But for me, I think they go hand in hand. When I am feeling down/increased anxiety, I tend to obviously have more difficulty with my relationships- I can be evasive/flaky- but not because I intend to be, so much as I'm feeling like a recluse and cant bring myself to be out with others or I'm having illogical anxious thoughts that said person(s) don't like me or what have you.
Plus, the longer I go with out seeing or hearing from a person, the easier it is to keep not doing so. Sorta like 'out of sight, out of mind."
If I could just have a few shots of sake (my new favorite alcohol of choice) before every social situation I'd be good, but I am tempered and don't drink excessively like that. Rarely in fact. Usually just when I've had a super bad day and am feeling especially vulnerable, or on the few occasions I'm out with friends for whatever reason, or with family for special occasions . .

I'm sorry you are struggling but could it be that you are harder on yourself than you think? Maybe its not that you are bad with interpersonal skills. Maybe you are in fact amazing at it, but lack the courage. Take baby steps to get back out there. And tell yourself that you are amazing. I know it sounds cliche and cheesy but I have to pep talk myself daily when i do into public places.

[hvert]

Originally Posted by AngstyLady

Plus, the longer I go with out seeing or hearing from a person, the easier it is to keep not doing so. Sorta like 'out of sight, out of mind."

This is so true!! I went through a phase a while ago where I was spending too much time at home alone (which I loved, don't get me wrong) and coming out of that was so hard. I think it took me a year to get back to something that's sort of like normal

[AngstyLady]

Originally Posted by ChaoticInsanity

I'm sorry you are struggling but could it be that you are harder on yourself than you think? Maybe its not that you are bad with interpersonal skills. Maybe you are in fact amazing at it, but lack the courage. Take baby steps to get back out there. And tell yourself that you are amazing. I know it sounds cliche and cheesy but I have to pep talk myself daily when i do into public places.

I have often been told I'm too hard on myself . . . .

I also think I have anxiety related delusions, that like people have a problem with me, when really they just are stressed or upset with other things and I misintrepret their facial expressions and body language, but I'm getting better at identifying this- though sometimes I am more sensitive to these 'delusions' of sorts.