It’s no secret that life with social anxiety is difficult, but what makes it even more difficult is when people perceive us as “just shy.”

I know I would be a different person if it had not been for all of you: I would not have this close bond with God and I cannot imagine being without it. 

Be willing to engage despite fear of rejection.

I hate that you rule my life.

Be a guest in your own home.

Go inward. It sounds counterintuitive, but sometimes you need to dig into your psyche in order to be okay getting out of your own head.

People tend to equate social anxiety with wanting to be alone, but truth is that a lot of people with social anxiety want to be part of social situations. Unfortunately, it just isn’t that easy for them.

Avoidance of social interactions and intimate relationships. Excessive feelings of low self-esteem, shame and inadequacy. Withdrawal from situations where one is likely to be criticized. Hypersensitivity to rejection. These are just some of the traits of Avoidant Personality Disorder. But it goes beyond just anxiety or shyness.

I am someone who would never go to parties where I didn’t know anyone else because I was terrified of being judged.

We are our own worst enemies. And when we fail or get broken hearted, we blame it on ourselves and put ourselves down to the extreme. We are our own worst critiques and tell ourselves truly terrible things. To say we have low self-esteem would be an understatement.