I have social anxiety but I love going out in public, is there a psychological reason for this?

Question

So as the question says, I have social anxiety. I hate interacting and speaking with most strangers and I always feel extremely nervous while doing so and I usually do everything I can to get out of doing so. But at the same time, I love going out to public places like grocery stores or local festivals and just roaming around, and I prefer eating at restaurants over visiting the drive-thru. I'm not sure why this is, it seems pretty ironic. Is there a psychological reason for this?

Saxon · Accepted Answer

It's normal to crave social interaction and stimulation, it's just that watching from the sidelines is more comfortable for you and fulfills that need. Nothing wrong with being an introvert.

Anonymous · Answer

I am exactly the same. I like going out but I don't like interacting with people. I never know what to say or how to repond back. I can't have a conversation with strangers. That's why I have no friends. I rather stay quiet and let people think I'm mute. All of k-12 people thought I was mute. I don't know how to change it.

Morrisevers · Answer

You probably want attention, or just want to be seen. Or maybe there is something at home you want to get away from. I have social anxiety too and have travelled 230 miles to see a U2 concert at the new Medowlands stadium by myself, so you aren't the only one to be like that.

yet-knish! · Answer

It's not contradictory.  One represents your natural state, and the other is the result of your conditioning.  In your natural state you probably love interacting and speaking with strangers too.

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I have social anxiety but I love going out in public, is there a psychological reason for this?

4 Answers