AleFraNev,
I have generalized anxiety disorder as well as
occasional, social anxiety and I basically have anxiety attacks when going
somewhere I have not been before. I anticipate
that I won’t fit in or have anything interesting to say. The best way for me to
deal with social anxiety is to attend meetings and clubs for hobbies I like. By
joining a friend that may already belong to the group I increase my confidence as I already know one person in this group. It's a win-win
scenario--I meet people who have my hobbies and interests, and we're busy doing
an activity together, so the pressure is off me to come up with some kind of
super fascinating conversation to entertain them. They're busy in the activity
we're doing together, so they're not even going to be that focused on what I'm
saying or doing anyway. Eventually, I develop a comfort level with them just
from hanging out in their presence, and it becomes easier to actually develop a
friendship.
I accept everyone for who they are and I practice
hard not to judge others. It takes all
kinds of personalities to make the world interesting. I just know there are people who
will be very pleased to meet you. Go for
it and keep telling yourself that you
are an interesting person and will make others a good friend.
I would be honored to be your online friend.
Kindly,
Kitt