tehabwa
Get help. You can learn how to cope better.
J-LinaClaire
Don't have SEVERE social anxiety, but I do get scared here & there
I say if you want to get over your anxiety, act upon the side of you that wants to make friends/people like you! It is soo scary but people wont notice if you put others before yourself. Inquire! Ask! Be nice. Be nice. Be nice. 99.5% of the time. Its going to take more than one meetup to get this message across. After a few encounters...people will notice that you are really awesome!!! And want to get to truly know you!!
Before then, aquaintences/strangers will ask how are you? Or what's going on? And my rule of thumb is unless they are your BFF tell them you are doing great. And have a happy experience up your sleeve to share with them. Keep the other stuff secret. People ask how are you to see if there is any common ground to speak about. Even if your day sucks, tell people your day has been good because everyone wants to befriend someone who seems positive/friendly/will not judge.
Stay away from the bad guys too
need
Exposure to social situation helps. Make a list of situations that trigger your fears from the least challenging to the most challenging. For example, talking to someone on the phone would be the easiest, going to a party would be the most challenging. Make your own list.
Anonymous
I take medication for all types of anxiety, and it really helps. Talk to your doctor.