Anita,

i think the time limit thing also has to do with my inability to be in the moment and focus on a certain time and value that time. For example, when I am at the first destination with a friend, I find myself talking about “what bar do you want to go to next”. I don’t value the current bar we are at. This is from my mother.

Yesterday, I hung out with a new friend. When we were making plans, she mentioned a location that wouldn’t have options to do something right after unless we drove. Anxiety. I got through the anxiety. I planned to see her for an hour. And went. We ended up hanging out for hours and I met her husband etc. but initially I let myself be okay with the plan. When I was at the restaurant, I looked around me. I looked at some families. It was already later at night so this is probably their dinner and they will go home. I watched them. I noticed how they were just here. Just there. Eating. This was their Friday. Enjoying in that moment. Nothing more needed. Then bed time. I looked around. I dressed very nicely and everyone else was dressed nicely as well. I took a breath. And I lived in that restaurant for that moment. Not wondering where to go next.

Focusing on one thing gives me anxiety, so I guess a time limit forces me to do that.

Wih regards to practice, perhaps it would be beneficial for me to write questions I get asked or typical things which I am unable to respond normally to.

Examples you can create responses to: (this is only the beginning. I’ll have more later)

1. are you close with your family?

2. So when are you free to hang out ?

3. Explaining why I’m virgin