Overcoming Social Anxiety in Social Settings: A Personal Journey

I get anxious in social settings, especially at parties with acquaintances, because I am always afraid of doing something awkward and making a fool of myself. Many people share this feeling, but it doesn’t have to restrict you from having a good time. With time and patience, you can overcome this anxiety and enjoy social events.

Understanding and Overcoming Social Anxiety

Overcoming social anxiety has been a journey for me, much like it has for many others. The method I found most effective is forcing yourself into social situations repeatedly. Gradually, the anxiety associated with these situations diminishes, and your fear of doing something awkward subsides.

It’s important to believe in your capability and your ability to handle social situations. Once you make yourself believe in your strength, social anxiety does not become a problem anymore.

Strategies for Managing Social Anxiety

There are several strategies you can adopt to manage social anxiety and reduce self-consciousness:

Focus on the present moment: By focusing on the present, you can avoid getting caught up in negative thoughts and fears. Practice self-compassion: Being kind to yourself and accepting your feelings can help reduce anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral strategies: These strategies can help reframe negative thoughts and reduce the fear of embarrassment. Gradual exposure to social situations: Gradually exposing yourself to different social situations can help reduce anxiety. Seek support from a therapist: A professional can provide personalized guidance and support.

For more insights on overcoming social anxiety, you can check out my Quora profile, where I share more tips and success stories.

A Personal Transformation

I’ve personally experienced the struggles of social anxiety, and I’ll share my journey with you. As I entered my late 20s, I started to avoid people, becoming somewhat antisocial. My mom provided a quote from Proverbs 18:1, which states, “Whoever isolates himself pursues his own selfish desires. He rejects all practical wisdom.” Although I wasn’t religious, her words made me reflect. Research suggests that social anxiety can be linked to an unhealthy sense of self-worth, often due to self-doubt.

My mom encouraged me with another quote: “Every public instructor who is taught about the Kingdom of the Heavens is like a man the master of the house, who brings out of his treasure store things both new and old.” - Matthew 13:52. This made me realize that I had something valuable to offer to a group and that it would be selfish to withhold it. I also understood that I had much to gain from social interactions and that it would be arrogant and self-defeating to avoid them.

With these insights, I worked on enhancing my self-worth, and over the past 30 years, I’ve managed to significantly reduce my social anxiety. The only indicator for me that I might be anxious is when my closest family notices that I’m about to bolt. I am grateful for their support and encouragement. If you're not religious, the principle still applies: your unique contributions are valuable, and withholding them would be selfish and unwise.

Your profile suggests that you are educated and have a wealth of knowledge to share. Drawing from the quote from Sybok in Star Trek V - The Final Frontier, I believe: “Share and gain strength in the sharing.” By sharing your insights and experiences, you can build confidence and reduce anxiety. Don't let social anxiety restrict your potential or happiness. Embrace your unique qualities and the value you bring to social settings.