All my friends are online friends

[lukecon]

sad right? but it's easier for me to connect with people online instead of person. plus i don;t knwo where to meet people. i dont go to bars, i live in a small town so we don't have clubs and such

i try to meet people but i just get uncomfortable and my anxiety flares up

[missladydawn]

how im Darlene looking for friendship only right me at 4117 Audrey ave Brooklyn, d 21225 would love to be ur friend

[dcarter31]

I think Dave offered some good advice.  Start out small, hiking always helps me but you could try going to a gym and start by just saying hello to people.  Same thing at the grocery store, smile at single looking women.  Avoid large crowds, but just get comfortable with small talk with complete strangers.  Each baby step will help build your confidence.  You are not alone.

[Quetzali]

I don't think is sad, I think is a first step. I can't even do that so I think you are way ahead of me! haha....

I have social anxiety so I can relate with this and though I think is important to go out there and try to socialize as much as you can, I think you need to do it at your own pace and little by little you will get out of it. Like Dave said, doing some volunteer work or getting into a language class, or something like that where you deal with small groups can help =)

[Life360_Dave]

Dave gave you some great advise, This computer thing is way out of control. its almost like something from a space futuristic movie!

[Dave2436]

Turn off the computer, shut off the smart phone and get outside and interact with people. Get a job, volunteer somewhere, go places where people are at. The more you do it the easier it becomes. The way to desensitize yourself to something is to expose yourself to it. Avoiding it will only make it worse. Don't go the extreme and go to places that are crowded, but don't stay locked up at home. A job might be the easiest place to deal with this because you are there to work and are not there to socialize exclusively. Dealing with coworkers should help you learn how to socialize.

[vp2216]

Yes, mostly when you do things for the first time this happens, & slowly this goes off.

One good suggestion is if you are anxious about something accept it tell freinds & go with the flow,, people sh support you

[kkthekitty]

I have the same problem. Every time I meet someone or do something new, I have serious anxiety problems. All my really good friends are people I've met online or become penpals with.
Are you close to your friends? Are you comfortable talking to them? I've had major issues meeting with and especially talking to people for a long time. My mom tried to take me to see a counselor a bunch of times and people have tried to get me to open up about my anxiety a lot, but I didn't feel comfortable talking to anyone about my anxiety, or anything going on, until after I'd made friends online and learned to feel safe sharing that with someone. At least it's a support base.
I still crave face to face human connection, but at least this is a step toward that!