social anxiety

Photo by Cathryn Lavery on Unsplash

My Challenge List: How Embracing Challenges Made My Life Better

This article first appeared on The Refresh and has been republished with permission. 


“Six slick slim sycamore saplings and five thrifty, fun, fifty-somethings. . .” I chant along with the rest of the group as I try to slow my breathing. We finish our warm-ups and line up behind the door. Somehow, I end up at the front of the line, place my shaky palm on the door knob, and prepare myself to open it and walk on stage.

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Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come by Jessica Pan

Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want To Come: A Q&A With Jessica Pan

What would happen if a shy introvert lived like a gregarious extrovert for one year? Read...
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

How I Manage My Social Anxiety at Work — And 6 Ways You Can, Too

As I look around my office, I know that one in ten of my colleagues have social anxiety. But I still feel like it’s my secret problem.

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I am the rock. You'll need to know that for later.

Stephen Fry Is My Spirit Animal: The Panic Of Social Anxiety

My reality has to include social anxiety, because I have had social anxiety for as long as I can remember. School programs, football stadiums, parades, large parties . . . hell, even small parties. I would rather not. To the point that I will simply not attend. Not because I can’t handle it; I can. I just don’t enjoy the crowds, and I don’t enjoy my reaction to the crowds. I get bitchy and impatient, mostly with myself, and I actually don’t like being bitchy and impatient.

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