Very Specific Concern
Hi all! I'm trying to find information or just anyone else out there that may know what's going on or what this is or has the same issue. So, I've struggled with social anxiety most of my life. I've noticed that for most of my relationships, especially with work, after a time I stop talking to people about this or that, and start only communicating when I have a question or need something (sometimes making an important enough comment on something). I feel anxiety around this, and when that happens I then avoid them even more, making this habit more apparent. I hope that makes sense. I don't know if it's just anxiety, insecurity, an aversion to small talk, attachment issue, selfishness, a combination of these or something else. I feel so bad because I don't want to use people or be so self-centered. Any opinions or insight appreciated!
It might also be an aversion to small talk. I find it difficult to do small talk, especially at work because there's no time to relax and talk with coworkers and with increased stress levels, I tend to isolate more. Sometimes I also feel awkward doing small talk because I always feel like I'm barging into someone else's business even though looking back on it, I'm just overanxious and overthinking and there's no reason for me to feel that way.
I can relate to you, I felt the same since school, even if I am an extrovertite and quite popular in.all my social surroundings througout my life (even if that sounds like a paradox). I think it's a combination of everything you mentioned except selfishness. You are not selfish. And one more thing. I found often times that there is a very fine line between small talk and plain gossip which I despise. You are not alone🤗...
@Butterflee
Thanks so much This has honestly made me feel better and not like a weirdo who can't communicate!
@funnySquare1982 you are so welcome🤗
Thanks for the responses guys, it's good to know I'm not alone in this experience.
@funnySquare1982
I do this, too! Another reason I've noticed for myself is that people take my energy. I am very introverted, so even being around people I like and am comfortable with is tiring. At work, it's not always people I like and definietely not comfortable with yet (that takes a long time for me) so it is exhasuting! This leads me to avoiding people sometimes for the reasons others have mentioned, but also just to conserve energy and do my job well.