[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!
@FootyFan26 That's a great example. Sometimes we can worry about stuff like getting lost even though there are solutions available, sometimes it just takes reminding ourselves a bit.
As for your oral presentation - we will be getting to some ideas for building skills that might be helpful for that later on tonight!
When you’re feeling anxious in public, what are some examples of thoughts that make you worry? Are those thoughts realistic, or are they unrealistic and unhelpful?
Hmmmmmm. When I was going through a rough patch I used to think people were looking at tme all the time! It was only once I felt a bit better and got some confidence back that I realise people weren't really "looking" at me any more than I was looking at them. And even if they were looking at me... who cares. Just keep on walking and focus on what i'm doing and enjoy the day!
Have a good week!
How do you calm down after being anxious in social situations?
I Just stop thinking and distract myself. Sortof try and get myself in a natural sponteneous state, and out of a stiffled state which is usually contains thoughts.
I have a few personal 'cue' type things that let me know if im feeling present of if im overthinking. I think meditating has definately helped for this!
if i miss a few questions its because im closing up at the clinic and writing in between 😛 #dedication
@lanejane thats a relatable one! Im similar, sometimes if i walk into a lecture late it feels like a few hundred people are watching you slowly take a seat. Then at other periods I couldnt care less what any of the 300 people did while i casually take a seat and dont think twice. Its weird hey!
Yea it's definitely unhelpful/unrealistic worries about what other people will think....
When you’re feeling anxious in public, what are some examples of thoughts that make you worry? Are those thoughts realistic, or are they unrealistic and unhelpful?
That I will stutter and not say what I want to say properly. Or that what I'm trying to say will come across differently to what I'm trying to say. Or if I joke around someone won't get it/it may offend someone oops.
I feel like people won't continue talking to me and think I'm a weirdo because of all those things.
@j95 after all these years I still don't know how to deal with the birthday thing lol. I want to look away but I feel like that's rude so I can't. Just stand there and awkwardly smile.
I totally get you about worrying about saying what you want to properly and having people interpret it the right away. Somehow it never seems to be an issue though, and if I do offend people it's usually all okay after a genuine apology.
What are some types of social settings that make you feel awkward you’d like to feel more comfortable in?
I usually seem pretty laid back most of the time but I'm always cautious in public situations and unfamiliar places. I have to say one is when you're trying to get to your seats at the MCG and it's already pretty packed and your right in the middle of the row so you have to walk past a whole heap of people.
Welcome @Troy and @FootyFan26
@FootyFan26 Little things like that make me feel a bit cautious too sometimes! I think i'm generally quite relaxed too but there are certain social events or situations that seem to make me feel a bit awkward sometimes.
Okay we're gonna move on to the next question for tonight.
2. When you’re feeling anxious in public, what are some examples of thoughts that make you worry? Are those thoughts realistic, or are they unrealistic and unhelpful?
For me, sometimes in public I worry that I'll say something weird and people will think i'm weird and not want to talk to me. It's a common thought I have, but it's really quite unrealistic. I can't think of any time that it's actually happened, and most of the time people seem to enjoy my company, even if I do feel a bit awkward sometimes!
@N1ghtW1ng for some people small talk comes really naturally, but it isn't always easy for all of us. I think it helps to start small, try and just get in a brief 5 min convo with someone new here and there. After a while you can build up your confidence that way.
Starting conversations with people I don't know! Which I get is pretty hard for a lot of people. But I hate when people say "just talk to them". Lol, how? I say hi and that's it.
1.What are some types of social settings that make you feel awkward you’d like to feel more comfortable in?
When i go to the gym theres this one blonde receptionist that basically makes me greet her first everytime....i that combined with her 0/10 reaction is totally awkward lol
