Why does this happen to me?

Question

I've noticed that when I'm at college, I feel very self-conscious around people who are mostly my age; but when I go out to the mall or to a restaurant, or anywhere else I don't feel this way!

I'd like to add here that I've been this way since I was a kid - not self conscious all the time but mostly preferring to be with people older than me, rather than my own age group. That might explain my feelings at school because most are my age, whereas at the mall I'm surrounded by people of all ages. But i wasn't sure so i asked.

Answer 1

Probably because you feel more comfortable around people who aren't your age?

Answer 2

Yeah! I'm in college too and the same nasty thing bothers me as well! I am pretty sure one of the reasons (how many here already mentioned) is the SAME AGE group. Maybe in people like us, there is a strong instinct of striving to be somewhat better than others, (even if we strongly disapprove this) and so we are more scared and control ourselves more, not even wanting to behave this way...

I often wonder where did people get this annoying self-conscious ability, non of animals of course neither plants) have it as far as I have observed... Maybe that's why we feel so good when spending time in nature, gain the naturalness and feel more confident and "self-unconscious"..?!!

Answer 3

I feel the exact same way. I feel other girls are so much better looking than me, and I'm kind of invisible. But, at the mall and other places, I'm always the center of attention and guys look at me. Probably, because I look 3 years older than I am, and I don't look like I'm in school anymore.

Answer 4

the same thing happens to me (but im not in college). i feel self concious around people in my school but not anywhere else. i thinks its just because the people in your college know you more and if you go out, its unlikely you will ever see the people in the mall again.

Answer 5

you shouldn't be ashamed of your bevavior, unless it is to the point of driving others insane. what you may be having is an affect on other people around you. perhaps a trip to your primary care doctor is in order. does it affect everyone else you come into contact with. yes, indeed, a visit to your primary care doctor is definetly in the very next opening. and please explain the situation to hin or her thoughly. there may be somthing else going on. so, please call your doctor and explain the entire situatioon to them. it may be as simple as wax in the inner ear and flushing with a saline solution to remove this or something else as such as an inner ear infection. please see your dcotor
before this becomes more agravated. one of my ears was feeling as if it was clogged and it was with a wad of hard wax.
this can become seriuos if not taken care of right away.
GOOD LUCK AND GOD SPEED ON THIS ANNOYING HABIT!!!

Answer 6

Maybe you are self-conscious only around people you know.

Maybe a therapist can help.

Answer 7

Well maybe bc you are around your colleagues more than at those other places which gives them a better chance to know you.

Answer 8

i had this problem...its called social-anxiety...you can talk to a counsellor or a welfare officer at your college and they can give you some good tips on how to over come these fellings

good luck :)

Answer 9

Did you have to compete for attention in your family d/t siblings?

Answer 10

i dont know but thats weird have you tryed talking to your friends about it?????? cause thats rough good luck honey