Social anxiety (social phobia) is not just ordinary shyness. It's an intense fear of being judged by others, which leads to avoiding social situations. You fear not the meeting itself, but that you'll say something silly, blush, your hands will sweat, and others will notice and ridicule you.
The Vicious Cycle of Avoidance
The more you avoid people, the more terrifying social encounters become. Avoidance offers temporary relief, but in the long run, it strengthens the fear. The only way out of social anxiety is through gradual exposure.
Strategy of Small Steps (Exposure)
- Start small: Say "hello" to the cashier at the store.
- Go a step further: Ask someone on the street for the time.
- Increase the difficulty: Make a phone call instead of sending an email.
Every small success builds your confidence and shows your brain that "nothing terrible happened."
Scientific Sources:
- Clark, D. M., & Wells, A. (1995). "A cognitive model of social phobia". Behaviour Research and Therapy.
