| Shyness and anxiety in social settings is something | | | | reality is that most people are so focused on |
| that affects millions of people every day. At events or | | | | themselves they rarely care about or consider others. |
| other social gatherings, people with S.A.D feel like they | | | | However, in the mind of the person with the social |
| are the only ones that are struggling in that situation. | | | | anxiety disorder is the belief that everyone is watching |
| But they aren't alone and don't need to feel that way. | | | | them and even worse - judging them - constantly. This |
| Everyone has an emotional 'closet' where they hide | | | | feeling is something that is deeply disturbing to them |
| things from others and frequently even from | | | | and they are not able to be fully functional in social |
| themselves. Have you ever wanted to ask a question | | | | settings. |
| at a seminar but were afraid to because you thought it | | | | If someone wants to overcome these feelings of |
| might be dumb? Then someone asked your exact | | | | shyness and social anxiety, then I believe they are |
| question and the presenter said something like, "That | | | | going to have to make efforts to talk to many |
| was an excellent question!" | | | | different people. The best way to begin this is to start |
| In fact, shyness and a moderate level of social anxiety | | | | small at first, then work your way up. |
| is a common feeling in humanity. I believe the problem | | | | Go to a small cocktail party with a hand full of people. |
| lies in the mind of the person that is experiencing | | | | Engage at least one person in a quick, one-on-one |
| extreme feelings like these. They believe that they are | | | | conversation. Once comfortable there, then work up to |
| the only ones that feel this way and that everyone is | | | | a slightly larger group, and talk to at least 3 people. |
| looking at them and judging them on a constant basis. | | | | Then go to a group where you don't know many or |
| This is not true, but thinking it is true makes it true for | | | | anyone. You may need to repeat each step several |
| us. | | | | times. |
| Every day, millions of people don't live their lives to the | | | | You know the expression - do take that one step at a |
| fullest because they are fearful of how others view | | | | time, and before you know it you will be the person |
| them or may judge them. They shouldn't be concerned | | | | that you have always wanted to be. Remember if you |
| because most of the time people are not paying any | | | | engage with people, they will engage with you. |
| attention to anyone else besides themselves. The | | | | |