Holiday (and all over) social anxiety

[cinnamonapple89]

I hate holidays where I have to reach out to people. My social anxiety I’m just realizing is so severe that I genuinely get anxious and avoidant when I have to call my parents to have small talk and say “happy easter”. No one around me understands this and I know I make people feel uncomfortable sometimes because I’m so awkward but like I’M uncomfortable too. I just wish I weren’t like this. I really just want to be normal.

[fauxartist]

The holidays always require a certain amount of obligatory attendance to parties and such. While you may not be able to avoid a certain gathering, you surely don’t have to close the place down.

You have the right to limit your social interactions. Be picky about where your priorities are or which party you really need to attend.

For instance, if attending a family gathering is important to you then do so. But, put a time limit on it. Stay for a few hours rather than the entire afternoon or evening. The same goes for holiday parties at work. You can make an appearance and then slip out the back door.

[cinnamonapple89 in reply to fauxartist]

Part of me feels like, why do I even have to pretend like that. Why do I have to make an appearance so people think I’m ok and slip out the back door, y’know? These behaviors we’ve been engrained to think are the right way to act really bother me sometimes

[fauxartist in reply to cinnamonapple89]

I don't think you have to really do anything you don't want to do....if you really feel like this is something your just too uncomfortable with...are you okay with calling them and wishing them all well but your just not able to come for your own personal reasons. If they don't respect that....it's not your problem, it's on them....your doing what you need to do for your well being.