Hey im 21F frm Chicago and I genuinely enjoy people… I love the idea of making new friends, joining conversations and being part of a group/community. But my social anxiety often gets in the way..:( its like this constant tug-of-war… I wanna go out but then I overthink everything. I’ll replay conversations in my head, worry I came off awkward or worst cancel plans last minute because my nerves take over.
I know a lot of us in our early 20s are figuring out independence and building social circles so how others have managed this?? how do u practice social skills when anxiety makes you hesitate??? do u start with small talks (like short chats with classmates or coworkers), do u push yourself into bigger social settings to train those skills?