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Strange social awkwardness problem

  • 02-11-2009 2:12am
    #1
    LegacyUser
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭


    Hi,

    Im a recent college graduate and everything is pretty much going to plan in my life. However, I have one problem that I cant seem to shake and it constantly plays on my mind that now I really want to something about it.

    About 6 years ago while I was working in the service industry, one of my good friends came in while I was working and I immediately started shaking upon seeing him. This was accompanied by a sort of panic and weird facial expressions (sounds strange I know) that made me look awkward and self conscious about something. My heart was beating so quickly and I was still shaking about 20mins after he left.

    Like I said that was 6 years ago but this is still happening with certain people (dunno why, can be strangers and people i know). Its terrible when sometimes I'm out and you know if you meet a certain person you'll be awkward and not yourself for no apparent reason. The most obvious sign that somethings up is the facial expressions and the way I cant smile or laugh without it looking completely awkward and nervous. And for some people, I dread the thoughts of meeting them. For others though, I couldnt be more confident and get along with really well. I just dont know what makes me this way with some and not others. Plus now its dragged over into situations like interviews where before I could just talk normally, now Im conscious of myself and tend to shake and become short of breath easily.

    I went to a hypnotherapist a few years back and i found it a waste of money. Its like the more i think about this problem the more the self fulfilling it becomes. And im an extremely positive person in that I have a 'go out and grab life' attitude and I know often when people are talking to you they're more concerned about themselves anyway so why should i worry so much?

    I wont ramble here but im just wondering if this sort of thing happens to anyone else and has anyone overcome it? Im looking into Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as I hear its pretty successful for this type of thing. Has anyone else tried this or have any advice?

    Any comments much appreciated. Thanks!


Comments

  • #2
    Victor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78,580 ✭✭✭✭Victor


    How about trying public speaking (Rotary, Toastmasters ...) and the likes and use that to get ove rthe public / private conflict - if I'm correct and thats the problem.


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