Why You Feel Confident Around Strangers But Overthink Interactions With People You Know (And How To Stop)

Welcome home, lovely!

In this eye-opening episode, we challenge the common misconception about social anxiety and introduce you to the concept of relational anxiety. Have you ever thought, "I can't have social anxiety because I'm fine with strangers"? If so, you're not alone, and this episode is here to shed light on why that might be happening.

We dive deep into the world of relational anxiety - a phenomenon that's becoming increasingly common in our hyper-connected world. I share my personal experience: "I didn't think I had social anxiety because I was fine with strangers. If I said something weird or thought a stranger didn't like me, it just rolled off my shoulders." Sound familiar? We explore why many of us feel more anxious with people we know than with strangers.

From the impact of social media to the fear of rejection, we uncover the various factors contributing to relational anxiety. I share personal insights and practical strategies to help you manage and overcome these feelings, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance, mindfulness, and reframing our thoughts.

Get ready for an episode filled with "aha" moments and actionable advice that will transform how you approach your relationships and interactions. Whether you're struggling with relational anxiety or simply want to deepen your understanding of human connections, this episode is a must-listen!

Tune in to discover how to put on your 'connection glasses' and focus on the love and connection in your relationships, rather than the fear and anxiety.

In this episode:

  • 02:19 Understanding Relational Anxiety vs. Traditional Social Anxiety

  • 09:00 Causes and Triggers of Relational Anxiety

  • 15:33 Symptoms of Relational Anxiety in Friendships

  • 22:47 The Fear of Rejection and Relational Anxiety

  • 26:13 Strategies for Managing Relational Anxiety

  • 29:04 The Impact of Social Media and Instant Gratification

  • 31:59 Common Patterns of Relational Anxiety in Friendships

  • 42:03 Practices for Overcoming Relational Anxiety

  • 48:02 Focusing on Love and Connection in Established Relationships

theleap.co/creator/connectionwithjewel/

 

Meet your host, Jewel!

Jewel is on a mission to create a more connected world. For the past four years, she has been helping clients embrace their authentic selves, overcome social overthinking, and build meaningful connections. Jewel’s journey began with her own struggles in social situations—often feeling not fun or interesting enough and constantly comparing herself to others. Through studying psychology, self-esteem, confidence, and belonging, and with the guidance of her first coach, she discovered what Brene Brown calls true belonging: confidently sharing who you are and feeling strong even when standing alone.

Today, Jewel is committed to helping over 10,000 people create true belonging within themselves and connect more deeply with others.

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Quality over quantity? And which friends do you prioritize?

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Connect & Collaborate Your Way to Success [REDDIT STORIES W/ DEMIREE FULTZ]