A year ago, I was so anxious, antisocial and insecure that I nearly failed college because I wouldn't ask anyone for help. I left school as soon as I could and would put my phone on "do not disturb" so I wouldn't have to talk to anyone.
Yesterday, I moved three hours away from my family and only friend. For years I've been wanting to travel and move away from my normal day to day but always felt people were holding me back. I finally told myself that I am the only one that will make changes to make me happy. I got a job at the best skiing resort in the province, said goodbye to everyone I know, and drove up to my staff housing where I share a house with 12 complete strangers. I was terrified and probably cried the entire drive up. When I got to the house everyone was at work, I left and came back a few hours later and there were about 6 people hanging out in the common area. (now even more terrified) They introduced themselves and invited me out to dinner with them! I had a great night, and now I feel so much more comfortable. They told me they really like me and they're glad I moved in to their house. I'm so happy. I've used a lot of advice from this subreddit and as scary as it may be, it works. People love people who talk and ask questions and socialize, and that's what i'm trying to do more often. Thank you to everyone in this community as you have helped immensely.
EDIT: Wow, thank you to everyone for all your kind comments. I'm so happy many people got to read my story and hopefully gain some hope for themselves. I'm going in for my first official day at the job now! Wish my luck! :-) <3
So proud op! Sometimes new scenery is the kick in the caboose we need to really unlock our social potential! Congrats on everything!
damn, I'm proud of you man! the beginning of the post is exactly where I'm at now (scared, insecure, actually dropped out, doesn't talk to people) but moving somewhere else and starting again is one of ultimate goals! glad to hear it worked out, hope the future only gets better for you
Thank you!! Planning for my future and connecting with myself to see what I really wanted to do (not what i went to school for) made me so so much happier. After making this move, I feel like I can really choose who I surround myself with and how I'm known and as scary as that is, I think it's way better than what I was doing before (sitting around doing nothing and not expecting anything good) Just remember that you are responsible for your own happiness! :-) Best of wishes
I’ve struggled with anxiety for a very long time, and I am just recently having a bit of a break through also. If/when you start to feel discouraged, always press on and know that not every interaction needs to be perfect. Just be present and enjoy it best you can. Good luck with the new job, that sounds like a really fun experience. This post made me really happy to read. :)
That's awesome! Social anxiety can be a bitch. I'm glad you took the courage to face this anxiety. It's not easy. Congrats!
Congratulations, that was really brave of you <3. I know it takes courage to stay out of the comfort zone and... You did it so well.
Congrats! It's just good to see people's increases from this sub. I feel with more hope: If they could, I can't. I hope you get the happy life you want
How scary is a near-fail college experience with social anxiety, it would probably break me.
Hey now, that's awesome! It's brave of you to make such big changes in your life, and I'm happy for you. Reading your post brought a huge smile to my face. :D
I can relate as I've had a big year myself. This time last year, I was lonely, depressed and broke. I had literally no friends locally (only online), no job prospects, and no clear plan for the future. Since then, I've started studying, made over a dozen friends (including some close ones), and even have a full-time job lined up!
It wasn't easy. I had a lot of stress and anxiety to work through, and I've still got a ways to go, but it's been so worth it. Almost everything has gone so much better than I feared it would. There have been a few things that went badly, and each time it really shook my confidence, but I found that it helps to remind myself of all the risks I've taken that did work out. Objectively, plenty of them worked out well, but it's easy to lose sight of that when I'm feeling down. Likewise, when my social anxiety kicks in and I worry about how people think of me, I remind myself of all the nice things people have said to me or done for me.
I'm so happy to read these threads like this one. Congratz and I'm proud of you for being strong enough and risked!! Traveling and starting a chapter on your own is sometimes the best medicine and even if you fear it, you made a dream to come true and fear did not held you back !!! If something is making you scared, it's usually a feeling that something good is actually there, which you aren't used to it :D Way to go buddy !! Also happy to see this sub reddit helped you and other people as well, this is really awesome
I'm very happy for you. But if you can still keep in touch with your family and close friends, you'd be shocked by how much they can contribute to your happiness. Also, try doing New things or look for new hobbies. That helped me a lot
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