Social Anxiety Going out with someone

[Yellow-busy-bee]

Hi, I have extreme social anxiety, I feel comfortable with people I already know, and so uncomfortable on the brink of a panic attack with those I don't. A very kind coworker of mine (I see him in passing, we don't work side by side) wants to go out for lunch tomorrow because over the course of a couple of months, we've talked through Instagram about books, and we both love to read. He's extremely kind but I am not attracted to him, this isn't a date but rather just a hang-out over food for the first time thing. I have a lot to do tomorrow and want to cancel because of all the things I have to do and how much anxiety I will have, but i don't want him to think i am rude or unkind I just feel shuffled about the whole situation but don't want to come off as unfriendly. What do I do???? Do I go even though I'll be so awkward the whole time or should I reschedule for a better time ?? Help me, please

[Dixie9326]

”GO” and face the challenge.. The more often you expose yourself past your comfort zone the larger you comfort zone will become Hold your nose and jump!!!🤷🏻‍♀️🥰

[designguy]

Hello busy-bee, I had social anxiety for years without knowing what was really going on for me. I also suffered from low-self-worth/self-esteem which is common with people with social anxiety. i grew up in an emotionally repressive household and was punished and shamed for trying to stand up for myself and for expressing normal anger and emotions so i learned to stuff them. My suggestion is to find a clinic or therapist that specializes in treating social anxiety so you can learn new constructive ways of thinking and strategies for coping and to also improve your self-worth. There is a lot of good info on youtube about it, I also did a program from the socialanxietyinstitute.org that was helpful. You might also check out the youtube videos and website of Paige Pradko who is a therapist and healed it for herself and now helps others. It is definitely possible to learn new constructive ways of coping and thinking about yourself and others and be able to get on with your life.