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Social issues
Redemption
Posts: 3,441 Boards Guru
I’ve struggled with social issues for a long time, and it’s something I’ve been working on improving. I used to struggle with even answering the door because I was really scared of socializing with people I didn’t know. Going to the barbers myself was a struggle too. I would avoid social situations as much as possible to escape the anxiety that came with being around others. A few years ago, I even struggled to go to the shop on my own. It felt overwhelming, and I’d do my best to avoid it. To be honest, I see kids who can go to the shop or anywhere on their own, and I can’t seem to do it without feeling anxious. I used to go to the shop on my own when I was a kid, like when I was in school, but I don’t know what happened. I just started struggling more with it. I think I only went when I had to, like when I needed lunch, and then I started going again a few years ago, but I still struggle with things like going through a McDonald's drive-thru.
Lately, I’ve been working on overcoming my social issues. I’m more comfortable talking to people in certain situations, but I still struggle when it comes to talking to new people in other settings. It’s not easy, but I am making progress. I hope to keep improving and gain more confidence over time. I’m not fully there yet, but it’s something I’m committed to working on.
Right now, I’m at home and want to go to McDonald's, but I feel kind of scared to go through the drive-thru. I’ve been to the store before, ordered on the machine, and collected from the counter, and I go to shops and other places in general. It's just the drive-thru that makes me nervous. I think it’s because it involves more talking. I’ve never been through a drive-thru before, even though I’ve been driving since summer 2021. A lot of young people, when they pass their test and start driving, go to McDonald's drive-thru, but I haven’t been able to do it yet because I’ve been too scared. I’m planning to try to push myself to go through the drive-thru for the first time on my own. I know this shouldn’t be an issue for me as a grown adult in my 20s, but it still feels challenging.
I'm just trying to make small changes like this alongside getting into work. It’s tough getting the confidence to do things like this when job hunting is stressful and I’ve had setbacks. I’m not feeling 100 percent, and I kind of get a little bit guilty seeing most other people are at work while I’m not doing anything constructive. Sometimes it just really gets to me, but I’m trying hard, as confirmed by multiple people. I do have a few options potentially down the line too, nothing guaranteed, but something will snowball. I just need to keep trying and push on, working on these small improvements alongside everything else.
Lately, I’ve been working on overcoming my social issues. I’m more comfortable talking to people in certain situations, but I still struggle when it comes to talking to new people in other settings. It’s not easy, but I am making progress. I hope to keep improving and gain more confidence over time. I’m not fully there yet, but it’s something I’m committed to working on.
Right now, I’m at home and want to go to McDonald's, but I feel kind of scared to go through the drive-thru. I’ve been to the store before, ordered on the machine, and collected from the counter, and I go to shops and other places in general. It's just the drive-thru that makes me nervous. I think it’s because it involves more talking. I’ve never been through a drive-thru before, even though I’ve been driving since summer 2021. A lot of young people, when they pass their test and start driving, go to McDonald's drive-thru, but I haven’t been able to do it yet because I’ve been too scared. I’m planning to try to push myself to go through the drive-thru for the first time on my own. I know this shouldn’t be an issue for me as a grown adult in my 20s, but it still feels challenging.
I'm just trying to make small changes like this alongside getting into work. It’s tough getting the confidence to do things like this when job hunting is stressful and I’ve had setbacks. I’m not feeling 100 percent, and I kind of get a little bit guilty seeing most other people are at work while I’m not doing anything constructive. Sometimes it just really gets to me, but I’m trying hard, as confirmed by multiple people. I do have a few options potentially down the line too, nothing guaranteed, but something will snowball. I just need to keep trying and push on, working on these small improvements alongside everything else.
Post edited by Redemption on
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Comments
you genuinely are doing so so well im proud of you🙂
Thank you
I completely relate to that too. I really appreciate you sharing that, it means a lot. I’ve had similar experiences with social situations where people might think I’m rude, and I also know what it’s like when others have to order for me at a restaurant while younger people can do it themselves. Good luck whenever you start driving, I’m sure you’ll do great! I’ve always wanted to drive too. Thanks so much for your reply.
i really do admire your determination to work on these challenges, even when they feel overwhelming - i know how difficult that can be so i genuinely am beyond proud of you!
social anxiety can be so tough, and it’s completely understandable that certain situations, like the drive-thru, feel harder than others - if it helps any, i have been driving 2.5 years and still refuse to go to the drive thru, you’re definitely not alone - but look at how far you’ve come, you’ve already made so much progress, and every small step forward counts, even if you think it’s only something ‘silly’, i promise you it’s not!
as for job hunting, i get why that weighs on you, but you are being so proactive about it - you’re putting in the effort, building confidence, and working toward your goals. progress doesn’t always look like instant results, but that doesn’t mean you’re not moving forward. from talking to you and seeing your posts on boards, there is so so much evidence that you’re continually trying no matter what setbacks you face, i’m proud of you for that as it can be really hard to bounce back from setbacks!
you’re not at all alone in feeling this way, and it’s not something you ‘should’ have figured out just because you’re an adult. everyone moves at their own pace, your path is your own path, and what matters is that you’re pushing yourself in a way that works for you. keep going @TheNightmare - you’ve got this
Hey @shannon_164 that really means a lot to me, and I appreciate you taking the time to say it. Sometimes it’s hard to see my own progress, but this reminds me that every step forward matters. It’s reassuring to know I’m not alone with things like the drive-thru and job hunting, and while it can be frustrating, your support makes a huge difference. I’ll keep pushing forward and try to be a little kinder to myself. Thank you again, I really appreciate it.
You’re an amazing and admirable soul. ☺️ As is @Summerjune15 and @struggling0_0 for sharing your experiences with social anxiety’s and challenges. It’s something I can relate to as well. You said “ I know this shouldn’t be an issue for me as a grown adult in my 20s, but it still feels challenging.” I can personally understand this feeling. I turn 24 this year and can barely get on a bus. It’s okay. We all go at our own pace and have our own difficulties in this life. These anxiety’s can be really scary and difficult to overcome, but I’ve been reading your posts since starting here at the mix, and you’re genuinely inspiring. We can all see your efforts, your dedication, your enthusiasm for change and to grow. You will overcome this in time, I can assure you of that. Same goes with working. It will happen for you.
You don’t need to feel any guilt, though I can personally understand this. I too feel very far behind in life, especially as of late with me being in hospital etc. You are truly working towards these changes, progress may be slow, but even the smallest of efforts leads to the greatest of improvements. I have nothing but faith in you, as I do for the others whom shared their experiences with social anxiety. 🖤
@Riley_2001 Thank you so much for your kind words. It truly means a lot and helps more than you know. I really appreciate your support and encouragement. I am sorry you have been in the hospital and hope you are doing better. You are absolutely right, progress is progress no matter how small. I have faith in you too, and I know you will overcome your own challenges in time. Stay strong and keep going.
i know it can be really hard to see your own progress and sometimes you really do need someone to point it out for you before you even realise but i can assure you, we all very much so do see the progress you’re making!
Thank you @shannon_164 also can I please as when you say progress is there any certain areas you have noticed progress from me? I know you mentioned determination, is there anything else? Thanks again.
Hey. ☺️ I hope you’re okay too. I’m sorry for the late response, not doing the best currently, I’m sorry to learn about your seizures, that’s an awful thing. You’re very strong and you’ll make it through these difficulties. Always here to support you, in any way I can. 🖤