Is it better to stay in my comfort zone, be cautious, don't do anything or risk and try new things?

[Against_the_current]

I got close to someone but i feel like with my mental illness i should never have texted back. I even went there. I'm 23 but i feel like i should just live with mom forever. His past is shady. I get socially anxious and overthink what i say and hear. Blaming myself so much that. I feel like im not ready to experience sertain things but i don't want to lose him. I got myself in the swamp (actually my Ukrainian friend made me try the app where i met him) and i hate myself. I should have stayed in my bubble. Not that i was happy there. I would have thought about mom's drinking 24/7 and now i think about this. I blame myself so much

[Overthought]

I get it the cycle is so painful especially when you want to tell someone about the problem. Your intention is to act and do something good for yourself but our pesky over thinking brains start to rev up always reaching the worst possible outcome until we are rendered immobile or worse filled with anxiety over the smallest of decisions.

Good news you have identified it young I’m 37 and I’m just realising what the problem is.

[Against_the_current in reply to Overthought]

Thank you. Yeah it is

[Hidden]

I’m impressed with the questions in your heading. It’s hard to know the right answers at 23. I will pass on some advice I was given at your age: 1) Growth and change only happen when you step out of your comfort zone. 2) Never become dependent on anyone else for your own health, wealth, or happiness. 3) Take a chance and bet on yourself to win. That’s my food for thought.

[Overthought in reply to Hidden]

One guy i listen to regularly on YouTube says he exactly that to lean into the fear in order to grow although in practical terms this is very conflicting emotionally as you and I will be to used to looking for a way to avoid it and will massively overthink the whole encounter

[Against_the_current in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[SoporRose]

Good for you for trying something new. It will take practice to feel comfortable and re-learn to socialize. Keep trying and well done!

[Against_the_current in reply to SoporRose]

Thank you