[CHAT] Socially Awkward
Most of us feel socially awkward every now and then. I can find myself in situations that trigger all sorts of nervous reactions within me. You know the drill - cheeks go red, palms go sweaty and I can’t peel my eyes away from the exit sign.
There are some situations that are garunteed to make those anxious feelings creep i... Like a blind date, or a house party with hundreds of strangers. Feeling intimidated by certain social scenarios is totally normal, and there are a number of causes, like not knowing anyone, feeling judged, having a negative opinion of yourself, overthinking, etc etc etc
These things can all be tricky to deal with and can make it pretty tempting to get sucked into your couch and never leave the house again! Lucky for you there are some simple tips that you can put into action and we're going to talk about them this coming monday at 8pm AEST.
So head back here on the 27th and join the hordes of the socially awkward, and learn when it might be time to reach out for some help. Join us!
You just don't know what to do!
I know that feeling @j95
I try to push myself to get out there and talk to new people when i only know one person somewhere.
it's tough but it can really pay off when you meet great new people.
Keep up the great responses guys!
Time for the next question.
- Do you find that you’re more anxious with any specific groups of people? If so, why do you think this is the case?
I am generally quite an introverted person and sometimes being around super outgoing, extraverted people makes me feel anxious – as though I need to become more like them in order to fit in and get along with them.
tend to feel more relaxed with people more introverted like myself, and I imagine this is because I feel like I can be accepted more easily as “myself” without having to emulate an extraverted person.
@benjamin_ wrote:
I am generally quite an introverted person and sometimes being around super outgoing, extraverted people makes me feel anxious – as though I need to become more like them in order to fit in and get along with them.
I can understand that....
Parties, going somewhere new, meeting family of friends
going somewhere near is one I can relate to @redhead
It sometimes feels like i'm outside of my comfort zone so I can be a little on guard.
What are some types of nerve-wracking social events that you avoid, and how do you usually feel after attending them?
Oral presentation are my worst enemy. I usually don't do them but if I do actually speak I usually get very agitated and frustrated afterwards. probably because of the adrenaline from the Fight or Flight.
@stonepixie wrote:
I had a really bad experience with public speaking once. I had to give a 15 min presentation and people where laughing at how nervous I was and when I would stubble on words or pronounce something weird or say something that meant a different thing to them in what they were studying. It was really sad as that is one of a few reason as to why I dropped out of my honours course. I just couldn't face those people again and still freak out when I see them around or anytime I am required to go to the uni campus. I don't understand how people can be that mean.
What a bunch of massive jerks!!!!! So unnecessary, grow up losers!
@stonepixie that really sucks ! Public speaking is hard enough already and having people treat you that way is totally not okay 😞 One of my biggest fears in primary school and high school was having to do impromptu speeches
Sometimes sleep can help your brain from freaking out and going into over drive. Well I think that anyway.
And a healthy diet is helpful too. Getting regular excerise as well, it helps to get rid of the physical feelings of anxiety and helps your mind release stress
What are some types of nerve-wracking social events that you avoid, and how do you usually feel after attending them?
This is a tough one for me. I guess the honest answer is whenever I have to hang out with my partners friends! Not because I don't like them... but just because I don't really know them so I feel left out. When I go though it's never that bad. I make an effort to do some small talk and they are so relaxed I feel fine after 10 minutes!
So... I think so long as I have buddy or a good posse with me, there is no social event I'd avoid... But the crucial bit is that I have buddies to go with me.....
yep i feel you @Sophie-RO once i have my group with me its like i enter a littel bubble where we in our own little world of comfort and fun no matter whats going on around us 😛
- Do you find that you’re more anxious with any specific groups of people? If so, why do you think this is the case?
Only if its a group im not comfortable with. If they are all really good friends and talk about stuff or people etc that u dont know can be hard to join in. but most people i come in contact with at the moment talk about general stuff tho....just really occationally if htey super tight. But i find it more annoying/boring rather then anxious
definitely @j95
Sleep is so important, yet so many of us don't get enough. It can be tough when you have so much to do or even if you just wanna stay up and binge watch shows, but the next day you pay for it!
Regular exercise, self soothing activities, good diet, time with friends, and a good support network when things get tough
I think you got that really spot on@redhead
Exercise, diet, having a good support network - all super important things that can help us in tonnes of ways.
Time for the next questions guys!
- What are some types of nerve-wracking social events that you avoid, and how do you usually feel after attending them?
Once again, for me, parties with heaps of people. I tend to get a bit self-conscious and worry about what people think about me and how i'm coming across. I sometimes worry i'll come across as weird or not cool and relaxed. Often I find I have to push myself to go, but when I do, I almost always have a great time and feel great about myself afterwards.
- What are some types of nerve-wracking social events that you avoid, and how do you usually feel after attending them?
Yeah similarly, last week I had a 21st from primary school friends, they are all still close but i havnt seen half of them in 8 or so years. Thought it could be potentially boring and awkward.......planned to leave at 11 as i had work 9am then ext day. ended up having a great time and left at 2am.
Yesss! @red seeing friends and socialising is a huge one!!!!! connecting with people 🙂
Time for the next question!
- What are some simple lifestyle changes that you think might help reduce anxiety?
Some simple things might include the following:
- Avoid or limit caffeine -this includes coffee, tea, caffeinated soda etc! All of them are stimulants which can increase anxiety
- Quit or reduce smoking - Nicotine is another powerful stimulant
- Get adequate sleep - When we're sleep deprived, we're more vulnerable to anxiety. Being well rested can help us stay more relaxed!
