Recently, a topic featuring "Graduates avoid sending resumes (简历) out of social anxiety disorder" received many comments on Sina Weibo. It seems that social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia (恐惧症), is affecting many people's lives. Over 80% of university students who took part in a survey tended to avoid social interaction due to an assumed social phobia.
For those who have a social phobia, everyday social situations cause strong fear beyond their control because they fear being watched or judged negatively by others.
Having a social phobia can mean physical symptoms like blushing (脸红), upset stomach, or having trouble catching your breath. The good news is that it is treatable. Avoiding social situations because of shyness might mean missing out on opportunities or being rude.
I used to be so shy that I avoided greeting people I knew by pretending to scroll (滚屏) on my phone or turning in another direction. When I saw him, I started scrolling on my phone as usual to avoid greeting him. But he immediately saw through it and asked, "Why did you pretend not to see me?" After my explanation, he replied, "I can relate to feeling awkward, but once someone realizes that you're avoiding him, it can come across as rude."
Being afraid of negative comments, they simply shut themselves down so that no one will have the chance to judge them. But socializing not only leads to judgment. If you're lucky enough, you may come across someone who gives direct but honest feedback, like what the senior journalist did for me. But if some people only offer you negative judgment, simply stay away from them. Why give up on opportunities for social interaction because of fears of comments and judgment?
A．After all, they are not making you any better.
B．Understand it's perfectly fine to make mistakes
C．Here are some tips for overcoming a fear of social interaction.
D．But is avoiding social interaction equal to having a social phobia?
E．However, my attitude began to change when I met a senior journalist.
F．But if you only feel a bit uncomfortable, it might mean you are just shy.
G．Shy people avoid socializing because they take others' opinions seriously
