[piggysmile]

Last sunday, my mom's company had an outing. One of her officemate's nephew was asked to ask me for a swim. I know this boy for years becase I always saw him on the previous outings but I kept on avoiding a conversation with him.

I'm always like this even to my classmates and first cousins whom I haven't seen for some time.

It's very hard when you have social anxiety.

Sounds like you're experiencing some real stress about being around people. How old are you? Are you in highschool? I also have social phobias, right now, and I'm probably old enough to be your grandmother....believe me, you can conquer this. Do you have a therapist or a school counselor that you can talk to???? Please post again.xoxoxo pat

[silver_queen]

I'm the same. it can be friends, teachers, relatives... i feel shy and awkward around them, and try to avoid talking to them...

[piggysmile]

a 15 year old HS student.

last monday night, my mom told me that i was kinda snobber according to that boy's aunt. It somehow feels bad. I didn't intend to be rude in any way. I just can't handle it.

I also wanted to talk to him since he's 'bout my age but there is somewhat a very strong force that forbade me from doing so. I'm afraid that after starting a nice conversation, it'll end up strangely bad.

[Rapunzel]

I know what you mean. I have social anxiety too. I'm afraid of people, afraid that they won't approve of me or like me. But at the same time I want to have friends and be liked. I just don't know how. It's easier online, and building friendships with people on the internet and through email has helped me, and now I am able to have some friends in real life, although it is still hard especially to try to start new relationships with new people, or people I haven't seen for a while.

And I've also been told that I came across as a snob. That hurts, because the last thing you want is for people to think that you think you are better than other people. I never thought I was better than other people - rather I thought that I wasn't good enough.

Hang in there. I can tell that you are a sensitive person, and you want to do well. Keep trying. Maybe it will help you to practice making friends here. Online is less threatening. People are friendly, and you don't have to worry so much about making mistakes (which you won't) because you never have to meet us in person. Also, therapy and medication can help a lot with social anxiety. Are you able to get any treatment for it?

Would you like to practice having a conversation with us? If you want to, why don't you go ahead and tell us a little more about yourself - what you are like, things you like to do, or anything you would like to talk about.

[piggysmile]

i don't undergo any therapy. my parents aren't even aware of my problems.

before, i asked them to bring me to the appropriate psychologist/therapist. A church counselor would be enough but, unfortunately, i know no one. My parents told me that i don't need any.

see i'm even afraid to tell my problems to my parents, especially, to my disgusting father.