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