Hey everyone. I’m 26 and have trouble with my social life.

I feel like a big part of my social anxiety comes from being shamed or made to feel stupid as a kid. And since then that fear just kept snowballing. I’m afraid to say what I enjoy, what I hate, or just to say anything aloud. I have difficulty speaking and forming clear sentences aloud. I’m comfortable talking to some people and becoming friendly. With them, I don't worry about what I'm saying when talking to them.

I enjoy talking to people, but I don’t really know how to close the deal. I am scared of having a friend and having them know my fears/awkwardness. It’s easy to chat about these feelings online but in real life. It’s so much different.

I never had the courage to ask a class/work friend or romantic interest to hang out even if it’s clear they’re interested. I fear not having something interesting/clever to say or coming off as a loser/dork. But not doing that kind of made it real. Then people I have become friends with, I only joke around with and am never honest about how feelings. Like I never talked about girls with my friends, talked about my family or any friends, or talked to my family about my friends. So I guess I’m afraid of people knowing me. Thanks for letting me get this off my chest.

So what scares you about being social?