Dear Joe:

The way I understand it you are most often uncomfortable with people, worrying that they are not thinking well of you, thinking that you are not good looking or not smart or not funny or interesting..  or worse, that they will not even notice you. So you sort of mini-panic when around people, your mind rushing, planning what to say next that will be smart or funny.

It is anxiety, that very uncomfortable feeling that makes us feel that there is something wrong with us or about us … and other people are noticing!

It will be nice if you could be calm and comfortable, when alone and when with people, and it is possible for you. When calm and comfortable, you will actually listen to what people say, instead of planning what to say next. You will sometimes forget yourself, totally engaged in what is going on, listening and talking, feeling equal to others, not less than others and not in a competition.

I will soon be away from the computer and back in about 13 hours. I hope to read more from you when I am back and I will reply further.

anita