So, I don’t want to self diagnose but I’m pretty sure I have slightly social anxiety. I’ve always struggled to not overthink social situations. Like if Im about to be 1 on 1 with someone (like someone leaves the room or goes to get drink) I sort of panic because I hate 1 on 1 situations the most.
Like if I’m with my best friend or my sister or mum or someone I’ve known for a long time like I don’t even think about it. But like when I try and think “right why don’t I just use how I talk to my best friend as a template to talk to someone” but its almost like I forget how I act around him because its so natural. Like around him or my sister I’m just strange but in a funny way. Like I’ll dance in a stupid way. Or sing in the worst way possible or make weird funny noises. But when I’m with new people I sort of go into a shell a bit
I just want to master the art of talking to anyone for a long period of time.
Like if I’m working with the same person for 2-3 days in a row at work. Normally I’d ask how there weeks been or how’s there days been. But unless something genuinely meaningful that happened most British people will say “It was alright” and leave it at that. I do it too.
There’s a few people at work, 2 girls and 1 guy, who I feel like I get on well with. And I feel sort of comfortable around them but I’m just trying to find out how I can sort of just speak to them all day everyday. And mess around with them and be silly with.
And I know people say “ask questions”. And yes. I know. It works and can work for a whole shift especially when you’ve first met them. However my issue is. Once I’ve sort of known there hobbies, or interests I sort of don’t really know what to talk about. I don’t know how to delve deeper. Because my brain in the moment goes blank a little.
Anyone here who’s sort of been in my position to now being able to go into any room and talk to anyone no matter what gender, age or whatever. And what changed it for you other than “putting yourself out there” because I think I do