I’m 30, married 4 years with a 4 month old boy. I believe I suffered from this since I was a kid, but never was diagnosed. I used to see a therapist in 2019-2020, but that was more for work related stress/depression.

I’m thinking of seeing a therapist again for social anxiety. I’ve tried thinking of talking topics before an outing, taking more 1:1 compared to in large circles, I tried laughing more and cracking jokes to seem more relatable. I’ve sent more “just checking in” texts to people to maintain the “friendships” I have.

But all of this seems unstuck to me, fake, and unauthentic. In person, It’s exhausting because I’m going out of my way and being around large groups of people drain my energy. I get intimidated by those who are very outspoken, I over think my next move or peoples reactions when I do or say something…

My husband is the complete opposite, he’s quick to make friends, have friendships with people from over 15 years , and he makes a great long first impression on ppl.

I share my struggles with him, he understands, but I don’t want him to feel like he needs to hold back while we’re out. Somehow, I’m always ready to go home early from an outing, I find myself sitting myself, wandering around the crowns, or hiding in the bathroom.

I can decide to just not go out for my own comfort, but is that really helpful.