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Social anxiety comes in many forms, and I’ve experienced one of them. It felt strange and uncomfortable to look people in the eyes. Each time I tried, my eyes would burn and well up with tears. Smiling felt impossible; I couldn’t lift the corners of my mouth, no matter how hard I tried. People often mistook my silence for arrogance, thinking I was unfriendly. I was alone, wrapped in my own world of quiet.
But you know what? Every challenge I faced shaped me into the person I am today. I may seem a little odd to some, but I’ve learned to see the struggles of others. I’m drawn to the “nerds” and “outsiders,” the ones who often go unnoticed, because I recognize their humanity and goodness.
We all judge others at some point in our lives, but that doesn’t make us bad people. What truly makes someone cruel is bullying—targeting someone for any reason is never okay. Social anxiety is more than just shyness; it’s the fear of speaking without stumbling over words and turning red with embarrassment. I remember hiding in the school bathrooms, eating my lunch alone, feeling invisible.
Sometimes I wonder if anyone ever noticed me there. If I saw someone else eating alone, I would have walked over to them, hoping to make a friend. Maybe that’s just because I understand what it feels like to be alone. In this world, it’s important to reach out, to connect, and to show kindness, especially to those who feel like they’re on the outside looking in.
ns 15.158.61.54da2
