Have you ever told anybody you had SA when they asked why your always quiet?

[Dr. Doom]

I'm just curious. I've always said, "because" or "I don't know". I'm not sure how it would go if I said I had SA or social issues/problems. I'm sure I'd be asked about that so I'd never say it but I'm woundering if any of you have?

 

[AsTimeBurns]

I just say "I've always been quiet." They don't actually care enough to press me further, it's just an observation they make.

 

[X-Rated]

I have told my mother about me being shy and having few friends, and she said :"stop complaining with 4th grade problems". I was so angry and at the same time disappointed that she couldn't understand me, though if hadn't had SA I would have probably viewed this anxiety with the same superficiality....

 

[Quiet Angel]

My responses vary because I get asked that so frequently in the past. Sometimes I say, "Because I like to listen." or other times I'll say, "It's relaxing to be quiet." But other times I'll be honest and say I'm shy/anxious. That's probably obvious to other people, though. *lol*

 

[BleedTheFreak]

I must have some kind of look about me, because everyone always asks me "what's wrong" and such. I've never responded with "I'm anxious" or told them I have SA though, I usually just say "Nothing" or "I can't think of anything to say", then they go away :/

 

[Minty]

No, I haven't. Before I really understood my SA, I would say "I don't know" in response to that question because I really didn't know why I was so quiet. If someone asked me nowadays, I'd try to tell them why. I think SA awareness is important.

 

[vj288]

I've never said I have SA. I would usually reply with "I don't know, I just am" or "I'm just shy," or something along those lines. I've had other people answer that question for me before, like they ask me and the person next to me will say "He's just shy/quiet." after someone asks "Why are you so quiet?"

 

[Phoenixx]

I've never said it and I don't think I ever would. All I can think of is that if I actually replied with "I have social anxiety." I would either get a really strange look, they would consider me a freak, or they would continually ask questions about it. Whenever someone asks me why I'm so quiet I just normally reply with "I don't know..." or "I'm just shy..."

 

[Kinetik]

I tried when I was younger, but I soon realized that it's the kind of thing that isn't terribly well received or understood. As I was speaking it was almost like I was babbling and making excuses, so I made a mental note not to try and explain it anymore. I haven't used the words social anxiety in the real world for a good few years now. I just tell folks I'm quiet or that I tend to keep to myself, and funnily enough, that often does get a nod of understanding.

 

[Kat]

I think some people understand more when you say you’re shy as oppose to you saying social anxiety. Before I knew I had social anxiety I knew about shy people it’s a common term some people seem to grasp better.

It can be risky when you tell people because they can impose ignorance as oppose to understanding.

 

[Streifen]

I've always been too embarrassed to say that for some reason. In the past I have replied that I didn't know what to say, which I'm not sure was better or worse, but it was true, lol.

 

[*Amy*]

Uh... just a couple of weeks ago a girl I just met asked me that awkward question... "Why are you so shy?". I wasn't sure what to answer. I knew that I should tell her about my SAD, but I felt stupid telling her that, and I thought she would think I was acting like a victim... so I just laughed and asked her: "Is that bad?"

 

[danstelter]

I've avoided the words social anxiety because they tend to put me apart from others even more than before. What I've learned to say that gets a positive response is that "Group situations are a little more stressful for me" or "I'm more of a reserved person in this case" and most reasonable people can nod and agree. The lunatics press you further, and I have learned that this is a case where the problem is with them, not me.

 

[Minty]

I think some people understand more when you say you’re shy as oppose to you saying social anxiety. Before I knew I had social anxiety I knew about shy people it’s a common term some people seem to grasp better.

It can be risky when you tell people because they can impose ignorance as oppose to understanding.

Every time I answered with "I'm shy" people would respond with "No, you're not!" in a shocked tone, as if I had just confessed that I was a serial killer.

 

[Illusions]

I don't really get that question a lot. However I've had people tell me (in a friendly way, I guess) that I was quiet.

I'd never tell such people though, that's one secret only those closest to me/those I feel comfortable with will know about.

 

[deleted user 1]

I just say "I've always been quiet." They don't actually care enough to press me further, it's just an observation they make.

I agree with this. There have been times where people who have made my life hell would ask me why I'm quiet. It made by blood boil that a living being could be so utterly thoughtless. I don't really see the point in talking to anybody in real life about it. I looked for a lot of help many years ago and it just wasn't there.

 

[Helena Dali]

At the moment I feel very ashamed to even consider the fact I might have Social Phobia, so no. I don't even get around to explaining why because I think it's just them trying to tell you in a seemingly polite way to get over it as someone else has already mentioned. :/

 

[Acegame]

Sometimes i feel the need to tell people so they understand why i behave this way. But i never told anyone (except my parents). I don't want people treating me differently because im scared of being judged. Or people keeping an eye on me in social situations because they know i have it. I guess when people don't know you have SA they don't really pay attention to it as much as you think, but when you tell about it they probably will....

 

[Kat]

Every time I answered with "I'm shy" people would respond with "No, you're not!" in a shocked tone, as if I had just confessed that I was a serial killer.

Yeah, I never would have thought myself from my idea of what a shy person was that it really described me. Only the fact that I tend to withdraw sometimes I always thought shy personalities were kind of sweet little did I know the inner turmoil they maybe going through. I think that’s why some people get shocked to hear social anxiety because they don’t realize the stress shy people maybe going through the words social anxiety pretty much sums it up.

There’s only a few people I have told and it’s mainly to people that I felt it was necessary, like people that thought I disliked them or people I have worked for because I didn’t want to be sacked on account of behavior they took offense to.

Some people that are close know about it and I have to admit that’s where I have had some of the most ignorant comments. Although I do understand some of their reasoning’s but at the same time it seems a little harsh considering I am not doing it intentionally.

 

[Neptunus]

Once, and never again! It is the rare soul who won't see it as a "defect" and hold it against you. Or, just as bad, make it their mission to change you!