What are some key differences between shyness and social anxiety?
Sarah asked:
Ever since I was a child I’ve been the quiet non-social type. Even today at the age of 21 I only have a couple close friends and am extremely shy. I often wonder if it’s social anxiety or just simply extreme shyness. It’s hard for me to initiate conversations with people, I hate when people compliment me sometimes, I feel awkward sometimes in public. I try to get out on weekends, but mostly by myself or with just one friend.
Ever since I was a child I’ve been the quiet non-social type. Even today at the age of 21 I only have a couple close friends and am extremely shy. I often wonder if it’s social anxiety or just simply extreme shyness. It’s hard for me to initiate conversations with people, I hate when people compliment me sometimes, I feel awkward sometimes in public. I try to get out on weekends, but mostly by myself or with just one friend.
I also suffer from panic attacks from time to time, but is rarely initiated from social situations