A Great Idea On How To Handle Social Anxiety

[Guest Lizzie McTrucker]

I've always had social anxiety while presenting female. Usually I just grin and bear it and hope for the best.

Today I was talking with my best friend over the phone and she came up with a brilliant idea.

"When you're running into a truck stop or into a rest area and you're feeling a little nervous about what people around you may think, why don't you just have me on the phone and talk to me while you're inside?"

I was stunned. It was simple but genius. So I decided to try it.

First I pulled into a rest area to use the bathroom and I was talking to her until I got into the stall. Sure enough, noone batted an eye. Noone went screaming out the ladies room going "there's a man in there!" So I thought, woah, this has possibilities.

Well, an hour or two down the road (actually up the road since I'm travelling north) I decided I need to find someplace to park for the night, I pulled into a truck stop and again, had my BFF on the phone. I grabbed my $$, my keys and my phone and walked into the truck stop while talking on the phone. I ran into the ladies room real quick (this time to just check my makeup), and then went to the McDonald's. Ordered. Got my food and left. The entire time just talking to my best friend on the phone.

It was pure genius. I didn't think about what anyone else was thinking. I wasn't worried about disapproving glances. I wasn't worried about rude comments. I was more wrapped up in my phone conversation than to care about anyone else. Also, while filling up my drink at McD's, the guy who took my order actually brought it over to me instead of me going back to the counter to get it. How sweet! (either that or he wanted a better look) I gave him a sweet and polite "thank you!" and grabbed all my stuff and again, walked back out to my truck while talking on the phone. Oblivious to what anyone else around me was thinking or saying.

It worked perfectly. And I had such a great success with it that I wanted to pass it along to all of you as an option in case you're like me and get really nervous going into public places worried what other people may be thinking or whispering to friends or other people.

I was so excited to tell you guys I forgot I still need to take my makeup off before I go to bed.

[Guest mia 1]

Oh yeah I used to do that when I went shopping for clothes talked to my old lady friend and just gabbed along picking out bras and panties...but now I have all the confidence a girl needs to shop on her own and soon you'll be walking into the Ladies room and gabbing and putting on make up etc...good job and thanks for posting.....Mia

[Sally]

Yeah, Lizzie!

A great tip for the nervous!

I'll probably use it - but I don't have anyone to talk to.

OK, before I get a batch of angry PMs, I'm just joking about not having friends to call - Donna Jean, Mia, Elizabeth K and I all have each other on speed dial!

Be confident and be happy!

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest Lizzie McTrucker]

Oh yeah I used to do that when I went shopping for clothes talked to my old lady friend and just gabbed along picking out bras and panties...but now I have all the confidence a girl needs to shop on her own and soon you'll be walking into the Ladies room and gabbing and putting on make up etc...good job and thanks for posting.....Mia

That's what I've been doing but I would get so incredibly nervous, so this eases the tension in my mind for now.

Some days I have the confidence, other days I don't.

[Guest julia_d]

It's a great plan.. unfortunately the only person I could call is 9 hours and 10,000 miles away and can't always talk. It's so hard to grab the time we do get together which because of the cost is restricted anyway. *sigh*

Sometimes being a very long way from home is ok.. other times it really stinks. Anyway.. this week I go stealth.

[Guest leo]

i was gona say what sally said i dont have anyone to talk to!

but its a good idea

mind when ppl qustion my gender i get real embarrassed and it just annoys me that u get tongue tied