Social anxiety

[karl]

i have social anxiety…im basically very quiet and have little to talk about…i get nervous about meeting extended family, and i feel nervous amd anxious now because my bubbily cousin from trinidad is coming to visit to introducen his new wife to the extended family

my cousin is a larger than life character, able to talk alot and is quick witted…i dont like having to meet him, but i dont want to be rude/ignorant

should i meet him and his wife? I think he wants to impress his new wife and that pputs me under more pressure…my extended family are all aware that ii have sz and have had depression in the past, but what im wondering is should i disclose the fact that i suffer from social anxiety? Should i meet my cousin and his new wife?

[ixi]

I understand how you feel but it would be better to engage in this social interaction and desensitize yourself to your fears. You don’t need to disclose the fact that you’re anxious. You’re thinking about it way more than he is. Coming up with things to talk about beforehand is a good strategy, but you don’t need to say anything you don’t want to say. You’re putting the pressure on yourself.