Em here, lookin for friends or something

[@xVEmmallee]

Hey all, hows it going?
I am Emma, Emily, Emmallee, or just Em, or if you're like my fiance, Marie, Which is my middle name (because he likes to think he's funny).
I am 26, and I started college pretty late. Im in my second year of classes now.
The thing is about moving around and growing up, and big life changes like death and family crisis, is that you look around and you don't have anybody anymore. Or you are so different, you don't know how to interact with others anymore.
So, I feel like I don't have any friends, and when I try to talk to new people I have a hard time. I stutter sometimes, or just stand there trying to force out words that seem appropriate only to feel like it wasn't received well, and then I spend the rest of the time at work ruminating in shame and anxiety, and I always regret talking. Im really quiet, and keep separate from others because of it, but I am starting to really prefer it that way. Its just easier.
I thought maybe I would seek others who I might make a connection with, and get to know you guys. I feel like I can interact better on the internet. Thats not uncommon, right?
It will be nice to get to know some of you, and I hope I can be a supportive part of the forums.

 

[Cuchculan]

Welcome to the forum. Good to have you as a member. Just join in with any topics you think you might like. From there you will get to know the members of the forum. We all suffer from one thing or another. So you are never alone. So, make yourself at home and no doubt we will see you from post to post.

 

[ding]

Hi Marie

Welcome to here

I hope you can make friends here. I just wish to point out that the majority of folk here have health anxiety, which is not you.

 

[cheer_mom]

Welcome!! This is a wonderful place to share and everyone is so helpful. I have made friends on here that I actually talk to outside of this forum as well.

 

[Cuchculan]

Unfair to say that the majority have health anxiety. As if to say as you don't you might not fit in. Ignore that comment. Is a mixture of anxiety sufferers. Various conditions. You will make lots of friends.

 

[triceps]

Welcome Marie. Like you, I certainly have social anxiety probably based on worrying way too much about what others might think of me. I tend to get nervous speaking with others which makes those interactions much less genuine. Then of course I replay those interactions over and over in my head, being overly critical and continuing my being nervous for the next interaction. A terrible cycle which I feel can only be broken by lessening the fear of what others might think of you. Not an easy task but bear in mind that we generally only have a few "true friends" in our lifetime so don't sweat the feeling that you might not have many right now.