Social Anxiety

[Glen53]

Strangers dont know you, so you can be friendly and limit their knowledge of'you'

Family have known you for years and love you because you are family. They know most 'bad bits'

Talking to friends.... They already know the easy things and there is a danger that they will angle for more 'info' on you. A couple of well placed questions and they know too much - stuff thats uncomfortable for you when they know it. The fear they may find something out about you and not like you anymore. The feeling of being 'betrayed' by people who are supposed to be close friends. OR.. They may let you down. They 'go off' you for something and make excuses to run off.

Im thinking its a fear of being let down by people you trust fundamentally Lol.

[Lol]

Holy crap.

got it in 1

[Sweetpea]

Oh Glen I totally agree.

Sharon

[Glen53]

Its not strange Lol, I really get where you are coming from with this, pushing people away because you dont want to hurt them or them to hurt you. Its a rotten way to feel but one of the 'flaws' of my disease you have least control over.

[Lol]

Still, that was a refreshingly simple and accurate explanation. Thanks Glen

[Glen53]

You are welcome Lol.

[lightenup]

I can put the face on in front of the family, and so kinda cope.  Used to be great amongst strangers and Icould be who I wanted to be, without fear until I had an incident, which really knocked my confidence. I am great if hubby is with me so he can shield me.

With friends I know for years I get very anxious and nervous now, and I know the reason is because they know the old me (well) so the mask is on, and I fall to bits later   

[emmietaylor]

i generally can't stand it either. I just go through phases where sensory overload gets too much for me and i just need a few days of quiet time.

[solo]

I'm so glad that I read this thread. It's made me realise that I struggle socialising with friends in case I say or do something to offend them and they no longer want to be friends with me. 

[emmietaylor]

I even find myself planning days of total rest just so i can get over very exhausting days like tomorrow i am supposed to be meeting someone for the charity group i'm involved with and because  I had a very exhausting physically, mentally and emotional day i am gonna postpone tomorrow so my body can get over it otherwise my back/knee and all of my chronic pain (not related to depression will hit me like tonne of bricks)