[AzulOscuro]

Among other things, when I’m with more than one person, telling a story or a joke. A nightmare for me.
From the first two words I already sent me the message that I can’t do it that I’m gonna be a total failure. That I can’t be as any other person.
My speech pitch changed, almost you can’t listen to my voice, my face is red and worried. I can’t think clearly. I lose my memory. A disaster.
I’m not gonna mention when the same situation has to take place in a more than three-person-group of people situation.
What about you?
Tell us things you find hard and how you feel when you are in this situation.

[Vanaheimr]

Tbh, I know exactly that feeling, although I think that my own experience is different from yours, I remember I was introducing my graduation note in front of students and some academic professors of the university, I didn't feel shy, but I had fears to fail that time,
There's quote I don't know if it could be helpful for u but I'm sure it is very useful, " don't fear failure, in great attempts, it is glorious even to fail."
_Bruce Lee.

[AzulOscuro]

Don’t think that I consider myself alone in having these issues. I know exposing an idea, a work, a project, public speaking are typical situations people feel themselves insecure in general. Especially, when someone does it for a first time.
However, I know many people overcome these kind of fears that I know I won’t ever overcome.

I’m glad you can understand how people like me may feel. You have a great empathy.

[PrettyBoy17]

I usually have trouble contributing to a conversation in a group unless I'm directly addressed or I know everyone in the group really well. I had less of a problem in an academic environment because I've always been academically gifted and can imagine my contribution being worth something. In a social group, if I speak, someone may accidentally speak over me or not acknowledge that I just said anything and it's just confirmation that what I say isn't important and I'm not worth anything. Made me into a good listener though.

[AzulOscuro]

Yes, I can read you very well when you mention that when someone interrupts you when you are speaking it feels really bad. It’s one of the things that makes me give one step backwards and regret of my attempt to be one more in the group, a normal one in the group.

[Heidismom]

I can relate to what all of you are saying also for me when I'm at a family gathering of the whole family. I get all tongue-tied, nervous, sweating, mouth gets dry, throat starts hurting then the coughing starts this is for any kind of group more than one person. I don't think I will ever get well from this because the older I get the worse it is!!!

Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Depression

I find it difficult when someone asks me the question, " so, what do you do?"

I don't do anything, and though I know to most people who have jobs it's an unacceptible answer, it's all I've got though

years ago, I used to say I was a vet (don't know why, just felt better than saying I just sit around)

also find it difficult to take part in something that involves me being in front of people, or being the responsibility for an event

I remember at school a few times they asked me to pick a winner for the games at the school fate, or run a stall, but i just couldn't do it

and it's the same for things like getting someone a drink, or entertaining a guest in any way.

[PrettyBoy17]

I also find it difficult to interact with someone I find attractive. I often can barely talk to or be around anyone I find attractive. I don't know if it's just that I'm afraid they'll realize I find them attractive and they'll either be mad at me or ridicule me in some way or if there's more to it. Unfortunately, I'm usually attracted to people before I interact with them much so I never get a chance to have someone I'm attracted to get to know me. And since I'm ugly, the only chance I have is if someone is attracted to my personality and they can't be if I'm too terrified to even be in the same room as them.

[AzulOscuro]

Originally Posted by PrettyBoy17

I also find it difficult to interact with someone I find attractive. I often can barely talk to or be around anyone I find attractive. I don't know if it's just that I'm afraid they'll realize I find them attractive and they'll either be mad at me or ridicule me in some way or if there's more to it. Unfortunately, I'm usually attracted to people before I interact with them much so I never get a chance to have someone I'm attracted to get to know me. And since I'm ugly, the only chance I have is if someone is attracted to my personality and they can't be if I'm too terrified to even be in the same room as them.

Sorry in replying so late. I must not have received notification from the thread.
I do understand you. I guess in these cases your anxiety triggers high.
It happens to me with people who seem to have a dominant personality. And in the contrary there are some people (normally, the intelligent and caring people) who I feel more comfortable with.

[AzulOscuro]

Originally Posted by Heidismom

I can relate to what all of you are saying also for me when I'm at a family gathering of the whole family. I get all tongue-tied, nervous, sweating, mouth gets dry, throat starts hurting then the coughing starts this is for any kind of group more than one person. I don't think I will ever get well from this because the older I get the worse it is!!!

Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Depression

I also have the feeling that no matter how much I age, the anxiety s gonna be always my company.