Is anyone else self conscious when walking down the street?

[Isolated_Writer]

I remember a similar though more specific thread a while ago where people brought up some good points. http://www.socialphobiaworld.com/being-given-a-dirty-look-41933/

I think the key is that they don't notice and remember me any more than i do them

 

[DGS]

I am the one judging myself.

then do things that make you feel good when you judge yourself.

or own it - i am a xyz and may be that sucks but if i dont hurt or parasite off others, then im cool, and i can still live this life

 

[SoScared]

Ok, so my question is how do you stop yourself being startled when some random unexpectedly walks round the corner?

 

[xDreamseller]

I would much rather be in a very crowded place than somewhere with just a few people. When it's just a few people, I feel like I stand out more. (Hence why I want to move to a really large city)

Walking straight towards someone when it's only you and them, I feel like I don't know where to look. Do I look straight at them for ages? At the ground? Everywhere else? I dunno...

 

[squidgee]

Of course I'm self conscious walking down the street, mainly because of my appearance and clothing. I especially hate crossing the road when there are cars around, it's like the windscreens are eyes that are constantly staring at me. And I never know what to do with my arms and hands. If there are no pockets to put my hands in, I feel really awkward just having my arms at my side. I just pretend to rub my eyes or scratch my back a lot to keep my arms and hands occupied.

 

[Kiwong]

I am really uncomfortable having a presence, that I actually exist and can be seen and heard.

I understand what you are saying Silent Bird. Sometimes I wish I could go unseen and feel no pain that is inevitable in having a presence. An detached observer, I would choose to observe nature not people.

 

[SilentBird]

I understand what you are saying Silent Bird. Sometimes I wish I could go unseen and feel no pain that is inevitable in having a presence. An detached observer, I would choose to observe nature not people.

Thanks Kiwong.

 

[SilentBird]

What I worry about is people seeing my total lack of confidence.

 

[selon]

Yup. In my head people are always looking at me, judging me, making fun of me. By now I know that its my sister's fault, because she always made fun of me and told me how stupid I was no matter what I did, and after 18/19 years of living together that thought pattern just doesnt seem to go away.
Wearing sunglasses makes it a lot better, so thank gd for spring!

 

[Nanita]

I´m very self conscious, walking down the street, going into a store --- to keep it short: all the time, except when I´m alone (or when I´m drunk which doesn´t happen often).
Being so self conscious and nervous when someone approaches me, has become a big part of my life. I remember a time when I didn´t feel this nervous. It has just gotten worse and worse over the years.

 

[SomethingKeen]

I´m very self conscious, walking down the street, going into a store --- to keep it short: all the time, except when I´m alone (or when I´m drunk which doesn´t happen often).
Being so self conscious and nervous when someone approaches me, has become a big part of my life. I remember a time when I didn´t feel this nervous. It has just gotten worse and worse over the years.

I feel the same way, some aspects have gotten better while others have gotten much worse.

I definitely feel like every step is being observed when in a public setting. Fact is though, most people don't care either way, even if they are watching you. Most people are too preoccupied with what they are doing to even pay attention to anything else. Our subconscious just takes over in these situations.

As far as drinking is concerned... That would be the primary reason I like to hang out in bars with a friend or group of people, even if I don't know everyone that well. Alcohol gets rid of the anxiety...if only for a little while.

 

[kristinleighx]

All the time. I feel like every person who drives past me, walks past me, or is on their lawn is looking at me. Sometimes I get worried they are making fun of the way I walk (people I am with as well) and then I notice I start to walk funny while trying to not walk funny. It's exhausting. Even if I feel confident before I leave the house I will look into cars and start to worry that I am too sweaty, my hair is too messy, or that my clothes are weird and that every one will be looking at me for those reasons.

 

[akala]

Yes, this is a big problem for me. I start to count my paces, and pay extra attention to the way I'm walking which makes me feel extra awkward like I'm being watched by every person in my view. And if I pass someone, i get extremely shy... I hope they don't notice but that part of my brain is saying "yes they know!!"

 

[jitter]

Yep, I feel self conscious when walking, I get paranoid that I I'm walking too fast/slow or that my arms are swinging too much etc.... Waiting for the lights to change at an intersection seems too take forever!
Jitter