Sometimes I feel like it's impossible to date with social anxiety. I really don't want to be alone forever though, so i'm going to keep trying until I get it right. Is there anyone else out there who has social anxiety? or has dated someone with social anxiety?? any tips???

Everybody has social anxiety. Some are just better at hiding it.

I have horrible social anxiety, an am in about the same situation as you. all i can say is dont give up hope, cuz if someone comes along that really cares about you theyll work with you through it! other than that its just waiting for that someone.

When social anxiety hits yu, how do you feel? Give me a lil senario so I can kinda understand nd help yu out a bit :)

A lot of people have SAD. Just be upfront about it and take things at a pace that you are comfortable with. Ditch anyone too pushy. There are good men who will respect your pace. Hugs

It depends on how I'm feeling that day(my confidence) or who I'm talking to. If it's a good day or I feel like a person isn't judgmental I may be a little anxious like "what will I say next" or " how am I coming off to him/her", the social anxiety will still be there but not so extreme.If I'm speaking to authority, around a group of people or around someone I know is interested in me, or I'm interested in them I just get so awkward. It's annoying because when it's happening I realize it and I tell myself "you know chill out, it's not that serious" unfortunately the more I try to control it the worse the symptoms get.My physical symptoms are shaking(especially my hands), rapid heart beat (loud),I feel pressure on my chest,and just delayed response when it comes to speaking, my mind just goes blank.It's not always extreme but it's always there. There's more to it, but too much for me to explain.

Well heres what I use to do when it came to a situation like that. Simply just be yourself and who cares what other people think. I mean when I use to have conversations with other people and they use to give me that kind of "ok? Your wierd" kinda look and it use to get to me and I would stay quiet for the rest of the day. But with time, you start to realize that some people can just be jerks and they themselves are anti-social, therefore bringing you down. So heres the best thing to do, just forget what other people think and dont be afraid of what other people will say in return. If they wanna give you that kinda wierd vibe, theirs other people out there who are willing to conversate. So next time you have a conversation, kinda just practice by letting a lil more out lil by lil and your confidence will build, then after conversating with one person, take it up a notch and have a conversation with two people, and so on :) and when you conversate, if its with your parents or the person you like, just act as if they are just another person. :)

thanks, :)

I know. I have high anxiety myself. I'm upfront and honest about it. Yes, it does affect the relationship and cause issues, but by being open and talking about it, most people have been able to work with me on it and understand it.

So there's hope? awesome!!

Its tougher for guys then for girls that have sa... The approach is far more difficult if the guy is anxious and awkward ( I am until I get to know someone most of the time)

Tip One....Use the force. Jedi mind tricks are awesome!

Yeah there is. :) The key is good communication really. Work on it at your own pace. Leave your comfort zone a little at a time. Not everyone will be patient and understanding, but don't worry about that, those who can't accept you the way you are are not a match for you anyways.

That's not always what it is though.

From what I have read in books you may want to try scripting a short intro for starting a conversation as well as paying attention to what goes on in your head when you become anxious. You can reduce a lot of anxiety symptoms and awkwardness with common sense. Some you may need medication for though.

From my own experience with it, it has helped to just get out and meet new people, stepping out of my comfort zone gradually.

Trying not to think too much or put too much thought into things, especially in the beginning helps as well.

For example, if someone catches your eye in the street, just look them in the eyes, smile, and say hello. Don't put thought into it, just do it. You may want their number or to ask them on a date, but thinking about that kind of stuff before hand will just be putting the horse before the carriage.

Maybe saying hi to strangers is uncomfortable to you. "Practice on random people, when you're out and about until you are comfortable.

Different things work for different people though.

Mine was a little more intense when I was younger and can barely be seen today though prolly described as being quiet.... Although making a point to make eye contact and saying hello may have worked saying just get out there and do it would not have... Not bad advice though

Baby steps

I have antisocial anxiety. I kid you knot.

I usually have a horrible time on a date when the conversation comes to a lull. I feel I am not entertaining, that my date is bored, and I am an awful, boring person. I fear silence when with people. That's one reason I have become a hermit -- too much antisocial anxiety makes me tire out quickly when among people.

I am talkative, have no problem expressing myself, and I nod a lot when I listen, and lean forward, and put on an interested-looking face, and I feel comfortable with that. I also feel comfortable with talking with anyone, I feel super high when I speak to a crowd, but I fear silence or nothing to say.

I diagnosed this as antisocial anxiety disorder. In fact, I am the person who discovered that syndrome and named it. In fact, I did that just now, winging it as I was going along writing this post.

It's real, nevertheless. Make no mistake about it.