In many cultures, individuals are often compelled to show respect to authority figures such as teachers, elders, and parents, even when that respect may not be warranted. This expectation can significantly restrict personal freedom, particularly when it comes to expressing opinions or preferences in various settings, including family gatherings, schools, and public auditions. For example, when a student argues that certain subjects are irrelevant to their daily lives, they may be ridiculed instead of engaged. This reaction can instill a belief that speaking the truth will lead to social isolation, shaping their future interactions and inhibiting their willingness to dissent.
This suppression of honest expression extends beyond educational environments to families and religious communities. In many families, children who question traditional practices or beliefs may be dismissed or scolded, reinforcing the idea that challenging
woke up in a cold sweat this morning because I had to make an important business call this afternoon. spent about an hour using my coping mechanisms to talk myself out of it, but eventually had to take my valium
just finished the call, it went extremely well. not only did I make the sale, but there was like 40 minutes of rapport building.
is this what normal people feel like all the time?
Being late for work because I heard the people in the apartment next to me leave and I waited five minutes so I wouldn't have to share the elevator
Cleaning my house for two hours before strategically placing items I can talk about just so I can have a friend of multiple years over and after they left replaying things I said to make sure I didn't say anything embarrassing
Not being able to look my Tinder date in the eyes even though we've been talking for a month and we had planned to have relations that evening
Spending $200 on a sweater at a craft market because I worked up the courage to ask the price and couldn't bring myself to say no thanks
Forgetting something I needed at a store and just leaving because I didn't want to face the cashier
They're all things that are silly in hindsight that I later realised the average person likely wouldn't have done. I know no one would have really cared in these situations.
Heyyy, I am so sorry for missing two full weeks, and barely beeing online.
Tl;dr: had a bad depressive episode. Yet i still managed to read all new posts and comments in the meantime. i apprechiate all you people very much, even when socialising can be impossible.
Love to you all!
All joking aside, I highly recommend participating in a social anxiety group, whether it's a support group or a therapy group. Attending group in and of itself is therapeutic regardless of participation.