No PMO War XXIV

Why do you think you have hard time talking to people in person?

I always found it hard to talk to people. What helped me a lot was going for a walk and forcing myself to greet everyone I walked past. It's only something small and it's amazing to think how terrified I was back when I first started it but it was like you said small wins over time and now it's easier to talk to people.

That's smart. Dr. K has a great video about it; I think I just have garden variety social anxiety. Maybe because of childhood stuff or temperament. But when I'm talking to people I don't have a close relationship with (mom, brother, family friends, a few specific colleagues) like Dr. K says my brain perceives it as a 'threat' improperly and goes into fight or flight mode. So it's harder to talk normally. You're right that I do need more exposure. Perhaps I should start greeting people more consistently

I completely understand. In my case, it might sound very silly, but I have an extreme fear of handwriting in public. Just like you, my brain perceives it as a threat. All of a sudden, my hand starts shaking, my handwriting looks even more childish, and I become even more afraid that people will think I’m dumb. It’s very strange, but I’ve been dealing with this phobia for years. More exposure is probably what I need as well.