“You’ve Got Me All Wrong - Really”
It’s funny, with all the time I’ve devoted to improving my social anxiety problem over the past three years, you would think that I’d be able to handle the odd “bump in the road.” You would think that with all the progress I’ve made, it would take a major cataclysmic event to derail me. [...]
Dating Social Anxiety Disorder - Creating Unique Opportunities
Creating opportunity in the dating world has been challenging for me – obviously, my social anxiety problem doesn’t help. However, I have managed some success by approaching the situation on my own terms. In other words, I’ve given up trying the same methods most other guys use, and tried a little “outside the box” thinking.
Eye Contact for Shy People - Tips
I hate making eye contact.
There, now that that’s out of the way, I’d like to talk about ways to get around this absolutely critical part of non-verbal communication.
It’s said that non-verbal communication such as eye contact, body language, and facial expressions pave the way for conversation to take place. In other words, before a word [...]
Social Anxiety Fatigue
Social anxiety fatigue is a real condition. Ok, maybe not medically speaking (or is it?), but I have experienced this phenomenon many times. For those of you that don’t know what I’m talking about, I’ll try to explain. Keep in mind, however, that this is just my own experience.
Defeating social anxiety a little at a time - 6 years later
In 2002, (as social anxiety tightened its grip on every aspect of my life) I quit my high paying, corporate job out of desperation. It wasn’t a decision that I made lightly – after all, this was my career and my livelihood. I was employed by that company for 4 years. Once the deed was [...]
An 8-hour social anxiety experiment
Here’s something you can try on your own. The first time I did this, I was amazed at the difference it made.
Pick a day when you are feeling good. This is important because, if you have things on your mind, or you have just endured some negative experience, this won’t work. Fortunately, everyone eventually has [...]
Beating social anxiety disorder takes determination
Beating social anxiety is my number one goal. Failure is simply not an option at this point. I’ve put too much time and effort into it. I refuse to let this slide like every other endeavour I’ve attempted in the past – and I’m not just talking about social anxiety.
So what’s changed? Well, to be [...]
Social anxiety, conversation, and listening skills
A big part of being a good conversationalist is the ability to listen. Being tuned in to what other people are saying is essential for good two-way communication. People know when they have your undivided attention…or not.
Socializing - you must make an effort
Socializing is hard work – at least it is for a guy like me. Perhaps, one day, as I gain more experience, it won’t seem so daunting. But for now, each and every social encounter takes a tremendous effort. Yet, where would I be if I didn’t try?
Without making an effort, I’d never make any [...]
The company Christmas party - the end
Social anxiety disorder had won the first round, but I was back to try again. This seemingly insignificant achievement made me proud. In previous years, I would have found a way to get out of there and avoid any further punishment. I would have gone into a full-blown depression for a week or so, running [...]