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13 Weird Things I Do On A Normal Basis, Thanks To My Social Anxiety

What's everyday to me is incredibly strange to you. Social anxiety is funny that way.

Kaylee Smith

Mar 31, 2020

Ohio University

13 Weird Things I Do On A Normal Basis, Thanks To My Social Anxiety

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Many people have social anxiety. Being anywhere outside of whatever confined space you define as "safe" can and will be overwhelming. As an adult, social anxiety isn't an excuse. You still need to go to class, grocery shop, and make phone calls. If not, your life may be imperatively fucked. Here are 12 weird things I do because of my crippling social anxiety.

1. If I see a car approach near a pedestrian crossing, I act like I'm not about to cross so I don't feel awkward if they try to wait for me.

2. I write out a script before I have to call an unfamiliar phone number.

3. I force myself to speak in classes that have mandatory participation within the first five minutes of class.

4. I hate eating in public.

5. I wear sunglasses in the winter so people don't see my face.

6. I consistently nod so my professors know I understand, even if I don't.

7. I do daily tasks like showering, taking out the garbage, and doing laundry at late hours of the night so no one sees me.

8. I force myself to partake in cognitive behavioral therapy.

9. I drink before going to an event so I'm more social.

10. I call close friends while doing any sort of social activity, such as walking in public.

11. I always feel compelled to pay for activities I do with friends, even when it's clear that I don't have to.

12. I pace around unfamiliar stores until I see someone else go to the checkout first.

13. I need to know exactly how to do something before trying it.

Social anxiety is nothing to downplay. Social anxiety is not simply disliking the need to speak in class. Social anxiety is something that impacts every aspect of someone's life.

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13 Weird Things I Do On A Normal Basis, Thanks To My Social Anxiety

What's everyday to me is incredibly strange to you. Social anxiety is funny that way.

In This Article:

1. If I see a car approach near a pedestrian crossing, I act like I'm not about to cross so I don't feel awkward if they try to wait for me.

2. I write out a script before I have to call an unfamiliar phone number.

3. I force myself to speak in classes that have mandatory participation within the first five minutes of class.

4. I hate eating in public.

5. I wear sunglasses in the winter so people don't see my face.

6. I consistently nod so my professors know I understand, even if I don't.

7. I do daily tasks like showering, taking out the garbage, and doing laundry at late hours of the night so no one sees me.

8. I force myself to partake in cognitive behavioral therapy.

9. I drink before going to an event so I'm more social.

10. I call close friends while doing any sort of social activity, such as walking in public.

11. I always feel compelled to pay for activities I do with friends, even when it's clear that I don't have to.

12. I pace around unfamiliar stores until I see someone else go to the checkout first.

13. I need to know exactly how to do something before trying it.

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Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1. When he just wanted bacon from his George Foreman grill

2. When he had money (and Jan) issues

3. When he got upstaged at Phyllis' wedding

4. When he unintentionally saved Meredith from rabies

5. When he wore a "bisexual" suit

6. When he had to apologize to Jesus

7. When his GPS drove him into a lake

8. When he had to deal with Ryan as his boss

9. When he couldn't fulfill his most generous empty promise

10. When this happened

11. When he struggled with a X-Mas break up

12. When he had to defend his generosity

13. When he threw a classy Christmas party for Holly but she had a boyfriend

14. When he had to stand up to peer pressure

15. When Toby was "Toby-ish"

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

Run Around Clanging Pots and Pans in Everyone's Face

Eat the Last Few Pigs in a Blanket

Pop Twelve White Grapes

Burn Something

Smash Things Against a Wall

Spontaneously Begin an Irish Jig

Call Your Mother

Throw a Coffee Table Out a Window

Sing "Auld Lang Syne" at the Top of Your Lungs

Do Some Squats

Swan Dive into a Nearly Freezing Body of Water

Take a Shot

Time to be merry and bright.

"First Noel" by Leslie Odom, Jr

"A Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Kelly Clarkson

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home" by Michael Buble

"Last Christmas" by Taylor Swift

"The Christmas Song" by Josh Groban

"White Christmas" by Idina Menzel

"O Holy Night" by David Archuleta

"Believe" by Josh Groban

"Les cloches du hameau" by Celine Dion

Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

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