Post
by Zebraseal » Tue Nov 16, 2004 6:07 pm
I'm sometimes very afraid of social situations, too, but it tends to change a lot. When I'm in a good mood, it goes naturally that I talk to people. When I'm not, well, I just try to think, "later". I'll take that next small step later, I don't have to be outgoing right now.
I think it's important that you can forgive yourself. It's not the end of the world if you don't want to talk to people right now, or tomorrow, or during the next year. You can practice talking and being more outgoing, but no one can practice a difficult thing 24/7, anyway. Try to remember you're not inferior, you're good just as you are, you're good just because you're you. All of us have things that we'd rather like to be, but just because you're not exactly like your ideals or like someone else is doesn't mean you deserve to be hurt.
I find it easier to handle situations like you said, before I get the urge. Listen to yourself, listen to what you want to do and where you want to go, not only in a certain difficult situation but in general, and what you can do in order to feel better. If you get the urge, anyhow, it would maybe be useful to answer some o' those questions on the board or get a distraction... But you probably know what works the best for you when you feel triggered.