Am I Just Shy Or Could It Be Social Phobia?

Question

I always thought I was just shy but I've been reading alot about social phobia and some of it fits me. I am quiet, I prefer my own company but I suspect that comes from being an only child. I don't make friends easily, I am not scared of people, I can go and do anything I want I just find crowds etc uncomfortable, I don't have panic attacks or anything in crowds I just don't really like them, same with socialising, I don't really like it but I'm not scared to do it. I have a full time job, a wife and 2 kids, most people I have read about who are social phobic don't

What do u think?

Answer 1

No, you are a normal person who likes their life to be on the quiet side. Nothing wrong with that.

Answer 2

Social phobia is just that- a phobia. If you aren't afraid of social situations than you don't have a phobia. People with social phobia panic in public situations and it can interfere with life and make it incredibly hard. There are people with social phobia who can have wives or husbands and a family, especially after they are cured- but it just might not be as common because it's hard for social phobic people to get out there and meet new people and make new friends.

Don't worry about enjoying being alone and not making friends easily, it's only a bad thing if you see it that way.

Answer 3

People can be different. It is what makes the world an interesting place. If your preferences do not cause you mental anguish or disruptions in your life, than you do not have a clinical problem, you just have preferences. It sounds like your preferences do not result in major disruptions of your life or prevent you from living a full life. You can get better at them, but that is something you have to decide to do. You have to have the time and motivation to improve given everything else you have to do. Good luck.

Answer 4

Considering the fact that you are able to go out when you want to and things like that indicates to me that like a lot of ppl byou are simply a quiet person who does not like crowds,and would perfer to stay at home or have quiet social activities.
So dont worry sometimes what we read can make us think we are something that we are not

Answer 5

Hey man!...It doesn't sound to me like you suffer from a Social Anxiety disorder, because trust me I've been there! So I think your right... You're obviously just a little shy, and most people are shy every now and again... So I wouldn't worry about it too much, Just try to focus more on the positives! You'll be right... All the best, hope I could help xo :-)

Answer 6

"just because you're paranoid don't mean they're not after you". Try to listen to nirvana, they helped me a lot and they still do. Also I can suggest you a very good book, the manual of the warrior of light from Paulo Coelhio(I'm not sure about the spelling!) It's small and very easy to read and I'm sure it will help you. I don't thing you need a doctor,you just need to stop caring about what the others thing about you.But if those things don't go away a GOOD doctor will help you a lot

Answer 7

i kinda have the same condition. but i still have friends. i usually don't go to parties since i, too, hate crowds. it's not because you're shy. you just find crowds, parties, and other socializing events useless and they waste a lot of time. but you have to give it time. it might just be a stage in your life or something brought it up. i have a very close friend who is also an only child but she has a lot of friends. try talking to a professional. it'll really help.

Answer 8

Geez, reading you describe yourself is like reading a description of me. It's nice to know I'm not the only person who feels this way.

I personally don't like crowds or parties simply because I find talking to more than one person at a time confusing. I'm not much of a multi-tasker you could say. :-)

It'd be interesting to read what a psychologist has to say about your question. Hopefully there's one on here...