Social Anxiety

[Olive6001]

I stumbled across a helpful article for anyone who is interested in social anxiety. At least it was helpful to me.

http://www.onbeing.org/blog/standing-st ... xiety/8331

[Queen]

That is good.

Mary is very introverted and has some social anxiety, I ran across this graphic and showed it to her and she yelled "YES, THAT'S IT!!" It really helped me understand her better... since I'm the extroverted one who is mostly happy in social situations. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/1 ... 89656.html

[bluepinecones]

both intersting

[BirdbyBird]

Ah yes, part of the reason I love traveling in my own rig with just the dogs.....And part of the reason I don't mind heading down the highway on solo trips.....there is only so much energy and I conserve it for when it is needed. Working this current contract exhausts me not just for the hours sitting in front of the computer but the interacting with my team and the other 80-90 folks similarly scoring in the room..... There doesn't seem to be enough hours left to sleep and renew from the job of "being on" and "available" to my team members and the other Team Leaders......

I keep reminding myself that this will all balance out when the contracts are completed.......and the dogs and I escape once again.....

[Bethers]

I've been known to hibernate at gtg's because, while I liked everyone fine, I needed alone time. I work, usually, jobs with great people contact summers, so like to tone it down winters, and love when I can boondock and stay completely away from people much of the time. One reason I love Baja, is I rarely interacted with the other people - even though they were around - I could just be a bum on the beach and rejuvenate. I can also do that in the desert of Arizona - which calls to me, also.

I forget - but was told I was either an extroverted introvert or introverted extrovert once upon a time (I think the first) - so people just don't see me as introverted most of the time.

[BarbaraRose]

I am a little of both too. I like to be around social situations for awhile but then I need my time alone too. I am ADD so can only handle so much stimulation before I start to get anxious and need to escape. I can be very social at work but pretty reclusive at home.

[longdog2]

Both very interesting articles and good for everyone to read. It is certainly okay in group situations to choose not to participate in all activities and to take time for yourself to recharge your batteries when you need to do so. It does help to let others in the group know you need some quiet recharge time so they will know they didn't do something to offend you. Enjoyed your company Nikki.

[BirdbyBird]

I think the informal nature of most of the WomenRV gatherings lend themselves to supporting diverse personalities and needs. There are always opportunities for those that like to hang out and visit around rigs and campfire. There are solo hikers and small group walkers of the woods. Those that like to eat out and those that would rather not for dietary or financial reasons. Sightseeing trips are always optional and usually there are multiple choices as vehicles are driving off in different directions on any given day. Kayakers this way, Walmart shoppers that way, Thrifty store treasure hunters to the left..... Seldom do we go anywhere as a group but it seems that at the end of the day we still all like to spend a little time swapping stories of our adventures......

[gingerK]

Hmmmm....somewhere along my life's path, seems I've morphed into an extrovert. Must have been my DH's influence. I'm very comfortable in groups.

[Olive6001]

For the most part, the RV community is the most inclusive, accepting I've ever known. I've moved around a lot, lived in different countries, met lots and lots of people from very diverse backgrounds and cultures, and I've never interacted with a more tolerant, diverse group. I feel very lucky to have stumbled into your midst. Tina, your description of a day at a GTG made me laugh. It's so perfect. I'll add one thing: we wander off in small groups or alone, but let anyone be gone too long and or be uncharacteristically withdrawn and the tribe rallies to protect its own. I saw it many times in small ways in Bandera. Pretty cool.

[grammynmaggie]

hmmmm... I always thought I was a loner because when I had my store and work in the hospital I was constantly around people and I always was glad to get home and be alone.... but after moving to Florida and being here for 6 years being alone all the time except for my elderly father who is no companion and no company and having no friends here not even knowing the neighbors my only contact was clerks in a store.... Then I met you girls here on the forum and finally at get-togethers .... I finally figured out then I'm a little bit of both I like my company and I like my alone time but in reality I think everybody's like that ... a little of both

[retiredhappy]

Great article. I also am not good in large groups. I like the idea of meeting new people and getting together but after a little bit I find myself drifting away by myself. My family thinks I'm unsociable but to tell the truth I find them exhausting. I love my great grandbaby but at two years old, I just can't cope with all that energy for long. I tend to do much better with only one or two people. I loved the RV GTG's because no one got upset if you needed your down time. I have been lucky to find a new friend here in East Texas. She is my age, solo, educated, an actress and author and just all around interesting person who thankfully, doesn't want to do something every day. I love my place up here - the only neighbor I can see is my daughter's house and she and I can go days without seeing each other. She checks on me once a day by phone usually - I think just to make sure I'm still alive and kicking. It is so peaceful and what I was looking for when I went camping. I've also been able to do some gardening which I always loved. Here's to all of us "loners" who also like people.

[mtngal]

Thanks for the link Nikki. Good read. I recently discovered the On Being podcast but missed that one.

[snowball]

I am one of those who loves doing stuff being involved and then love going home and being by myself
when I first get to know people even those I've meet before am quite but after I get to know them better
get more talkative
sheila

[Wanderer2]

Good article. Thank you. I see myself there. I am more introvert than extrovert. just me