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Getting More Socially Awkward

by Anonymous

Something I've noticed getting progressively worse over time is my social interaction with people. I used to be a happy-go-lucky always giddy class clown back in my grade-school days, more specifically middle school and about half of high school. I'm 21 now, and in college. So here it is: I feel GREATLY uncomfortable around people I don't know. I have a small group of close friends that I am perfectly fine with, but with everyone else it feels really different. I'll sit there quietly while everyone else is talking amongst each other. But here is my biggest issue. The conversations are usually about something I really don't have any say in. How am I supposed to respond to a conversation that's about nothing I know of, or about a situation in which I was not present to witness? So I just sit there, and people think I'm just unfriendly or shy, when I really just have nothing to say! Another factor to this situation is the fact that I really can't talk all that well. I mean, I CAN talk, its just whenever I attempt to respond to someone or start a conversation, I really don't know how to start/say whatever it is I was going to say. I sometimes slur my words, forget a detail and go back in the conversation (usually a lot, and it feels really embarrassing when I do)..that's pretty much it. It's a lot worse than it might sound. It really kills my social self-esteem when I can't even get my words right. Any ideas as to what I can do to help myself? Or at least to give it a name?

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Seeking help is a brave and positive step
by: Rosa Krause

I'm sorry to hear that you've been experiencing difficulties with social interaction, and I want you to know that you're not alone in feeling this way. It's not uncommon for social dynamics to change as we go through different stages of life, and it's essential to address these challenges with empathy and understanding.

The difficulties you described in social situations may be attributed to a few factors, and it's possible that they are interconnected. Let's break them down:

Social Anxiety: Feeling uncomfortable around people you don't know and experiencing difficulty in conversations may be signs of social anxiety. Social anxiety is a common condition where individuals feel self-conscious, anxious, or inadequate in social settings. This can lead to avoidance of social situations or staying quiet to avoid drawing attention to oneself.

Communication Challenges: The difficulty in finding the right words or slurring speech may be related to communication issues such as social communication disorder or speech impediments. These challenges can make it harder to engage in conversations and may contribute to feelings of self-consciousness and embarrassment.

Low Self-Esteem: Struggling in social interactions and feeling like you can't express yourself effectively can have a negative impact on self-esteem. It's important to recognize that communication challenges do not define your worth, but they can impact your confidence in social settings.

Given these factors, it might be beneficial to consider seeking support to address your social difficulties. Here are some suggestions:

Therapy or Counseling: Consider speaking with a therapist or counselor who specializes in social anxiety or communication challenges. They can provide strategies to manage anxiety, improve communication skills, and work on building self-esteem.

Speech Therapy: If communication challenges are a significant concern, speech therapy can help improve speech fluency and clarity.

Social Skills Training: Social skills training can be beneficial in learning how to navigate social situations, engage in conversations, and respond to various topics.

Support Groups: Joining support groups or social clubs can provide a safe space to practice social interactions and meet others who may have similar experiences.

Practice and Patience: Improving social skills takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and recognize that it's okay to feel uncomfortable at times. With support and effort, you can make progress.

It's important to remember that you are not alone, and seeking help is a brave and positive step towards personal growth and improvement. There is no need to label yourself with a specific name for your challenges, as what matters most is taking steps to address and overcome them. You deserve to feel comfortable and confident in social situations, and with the right support, it is possible to achieve that.

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