Apart from very few people i avoid social interaction. I m 20. I love being alone. I don t like crowded areas they drain me. I avoid parties they make me feel a little alone. I m an artist so most of my downtime i sketch in my little notebook. I don t involve in group projects, i avoid giving opinions and mostly sit at the back of the class. Stage presentations make me nervous and i d rather workout all day than give a presentation which seems more tiresome to me. I have these two three friends i enjoy my time with or go out for a walk or get a cup of tea or watch a movie. I m usually the last person if asked for volunteer. Most of time i have heads free on so i can avoid small talks with people. I have trust issues. I really don t trust anyone. I keep my stuff to my self be it good or bad. Alone time makes me feel good. I do have a little sensitivity to negative emotions so i have a short temper. I m a little shy so i prefer to remain quiet rather engage in some talk that will end in an awkward silence. I actually am a little active on social sites not that i interact with anyone much, i run my art pages and i have quite a fan base. and yes i am wearing braces so i struggle with smiling most of time and it gets so awkward. Is this all normal?
Hello! Welcome to Chat Doctor ! In my opinion it is normal to feel anxious and in social situations. If it is effecting your day-to-day routine, then it is very important to go on cognitive behavioral therapy with a trained therapist. Creating hierarchy of situations from lower to higher ones that cause anxiety and face those step-by-step basis is important. Hope this clarifies your concerns. Thank you for the query. Take care 