For those of you with social anxiety, how do you approach meeting new people?

Well, when I used to drink, I would always have a belt before going to a party or gathering.

Nowadays, I just take a deep breath and plunge in.

My husband has gotten over this by telling himself he has to. He changed his head-script as best he could on his own without his therapist, by understanding that most people feel better about him if he acts friendly.

He’s learned to smile, say hi, and either compliment them or bring up the weather.

I remind myself that when people get to know me, they generally really like me. It’s just a matter of allowing myself the opportunity for people to get to know me.

People usually start talking to me first…i guess there is something about having hot pink hair makes people feel like they should talk to you.

With dread. I have yet to come up with any tricks to make these situations better, so this thread will hopefully benefit more than one person :)

I have some friends with this issue. They just go on social meetings and wait for others to come and talk to them. Sometimes it doesn’t work but most of the times others do the first few steps.

It depends entirely upon the level of anxiety I’m feeling. Sometimes, I need to leave because I feel like I can’t breathe. Other times, I stop thinking and just Do! I walk right in, make conversation, laugh, have fun, etc. I always feel such relief when I handle situations this way as it reminds me that I’m in the driver’s seat.
Other times, I rely on xanax or something of that sort to get me through. I absolutely hate that I feel this way, as I’m quite a sociable person and haven’t experienced feelings of anxiety for a long time.

When I had social anxiety, I would prepare beforehand by finding out who was going to be there, and prepare to approach someone I really liked. My problem was walking into a room full of people and not knowing what to do (waiting for the floor to open up and swallow me!), so planning beforehand who I would approach first helped. It made me look better walking into the room- instead of looking like a deer in headlights, I’d look more pleasant and comfortable, which made me feel better and others responded to me better as well.

It got to where I did this a few times and I no longer had to plan and build up to the task anymore.

I avoid new people. I am just what the society doesn’t like. The society just needs two type of girls and I am neither: 1-career lovers, 2-attractive doll-like ones So it hurts to be a book-worm, emotional girl who enjoys quite peaceful places with no desire to win and compete.
When I meet new people, I offer to take care of their babies especially if there is a party. I just let the little one rest his head on my shoulder or play in safety with some fluffy toys, while the hot girls and career ladies spend their times boasting about their victories and dancing.

Anxiety is a temporary experience.I remind myself when it happens.know one is perfect,even if it appears that way.Focusing on empathy for others brings their guards down.You can also tell yourself that you are relaxed and your body may follow.force yourself a smile,and then see how you feel.You naturally feel happy when you smile.How you feel is contagious,just like cesar and his dogs.