Anybody here suffer from social anxiety?

[whiskeyman]

I have no problems with social situations. After the introductions I treat people as if I have known them forever. This usually scares them and they move on.

[JTHunter]

You guys have just lost your mental 'armor'. That's what happens when you live in the middle of nowhere. You get used to the tranquility, the peace, the quiet. Try living in or near a big city.

Also it's a proven fact that the older you get, the less you want to be around 'hustle and bustle'.

That's why the idea of living near a small waterfall Evening in the Forest.jpg or hear the ocean's "roar" Clearing Storms.jpg lose their appeal VERY quickly when you realize that you can NEVER have some "quiet time" for your own thoughts.

[mrkalashnikov]

Good points, all. I used to smoke the devil's cabbage. I sorta figured that was part of my issue.

Ah yesss...the old Devil's Cabbage, the ruin of many a good young man:

[Krupski]

Does it annoy you guys when folks say something like "you should just be more open"

I've been more or less shy since I was a little kid. I don't think it's something you can just turn off with the flick of a switch. I think you have to understand your personality and where there are parts of it that can be a disadvantage, find ways to manage.

Funny thing, if I have to give a big speech or presentation, especially to people I don't know, I get nervous as fuck before hand but usually do very well. I just understand that it isn't in my natural comfort zone.

Oh yeah, I hate those little phrases... like "cheer up" or "look at the bright side". I also hate being called a "pessimist". If things suck and I say so, does that make me a pessimist?

I can't stand perpetually happy people. I have to wonder how they shut out reality so well.

[Helen Keller]

I'll be more open, but you have to accept the fact my mind is a 24 hour rap video.