Dating a Guy with Social Anxiety

Hi! I joined this forum, in hopes to get some answers and a better understanding of social anxiety. I have been dating a guy with social anxiety now for 5 months. I adore him and think the world of him. He is a sweetheart and treats me very good. He has tried to explain his feelings of social anxiety to me, but struggles. I know he gets really nervous around my friends and family. He also struggles with communicating his feelings. At times he can get frustrated and just shut-down.
We currently live 2 hours away which limits our time together. I have the summer off, although he is typically finding other things to do so that he does not have to spend time with my friends/family. I understand that it is hard for him to feel comfortable in those situations, but family and friends are very important to me. While I love him deeply, I want to know if anyone has suggestions on how to make him feel more comfortable with my friends and family????
Also, is there a way to help him communicate more with me? Every night we talk and we try and ask each other at least three questions. To get to know each other on another level. These can range from “What’s your favorite Italian dish?” to “What’s your feelings in the upcoming 2008 debate?” Just a game we play to make things easier for us both to communicate better with each other. Does anyone have any suggestions to help here too?
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope I can use your comments to understand and answer my questions about Social Anxiety.

I'm happy to hear that there are girls willing to date social phobic guys. He's a lucky guy.

Hi jessbehl. I guess not pressuring him is a major issue. I know you might not exactly understand his feelings regarding a night out with your friends or family, cause its even hard to describe in words at times, but bit by bit, I'm sure things will improve. Pressuring might push him more into the SP cycle am afraid :? and thats from personal experience. and good luck He's definitely lucky.

Thanks for the comments! I really appreciate them all! Does anyone know any good books? Or really good sites to look at to get more info on Social Anxiety? I have looked around, but not sure what is good/bad info! Thanks!

I guess that guy is quite happy.

He is definitely a lucky guy.