Is it normal to panic about bumping into people you know

69% Normal
7 Comments

I panic/stress when I'm out shopping or out on a day out or in work about bumping into people I know or was in school with or used to work with or a friend of a friend. I go bright red, even sweat, cant get my words out and work myself up rediculously. I then beat myself up for the rest of the day wondering if the people/person thinks im nuts. Its getting really embarrassing. I go bright red in work all the time, in meetings, if i have to speak I go bright red and sweat. If im on the counter in work and someone i know comes in i go bright red, its so obvious and v embarrassing. If i go out to the shops on my lunch break and see someone i know I'll go bright red, I'll even hide in shops or go the other way to avoid seeing someone i know. If Im far away or on holiday somewhere I relax and don't panic as I know I won't see anyone I know. I think it stems from having eczema on my face through my teens, I was a paranoid wreck, it rarely flares up now but someone's only got to look at me and I think they're looking for flaws . I thought it would get better as I got older but I'm 27 and more embarrassed /paranoid than ever. Constantly beating myself up inside and worrying what people think of me.

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69% Normal
Based on 42 votes (29 yes)
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Comments ( 7 )
  • Blue_Velvet
    12 years ago

    Yes me too. When i'm out shopping and see people i know i usually hide from them in the store :p

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    • pufferton
      12 years ago

      Me too haha. But mostly because socialization annoys me unless under very specific circumstances.

      I used to feel that way too.. Not that bad, but I was at a point where I'd try to say something, but no words would come out so I pretended I didn't hear the person talking to me. I eventually got over it by making more friends and such. So maybe talk to your doctor or a close friend/family about it.

      Good luck :)

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      • Blue_Velvet
        12 years ago

        Did i ask for help?

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        • pufferton
          12 years ago

          The second paragraph was for the poll poster... Sorry.

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  • [Old Memory]
    12 years ago

    Social anxiety. I would talk to your doctor about this. I've suffered it myself and still do but if you're reacting this badly, I think you need to seek help. Worrying is no good and it will just eat away at you. Good luck :)

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  • [Old Memory]
    12 years ago

    maybe scream when you see them and turn it into a laugh i'm sure people do that, it may dissipate the scream inside ^^ nice advice from papagee

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  • Avant-Garde
    12 years ago

    This really freaks me out. There's a guy that used to hit me with footballs that works at my grocery store. I always hope that he won't recognise me. It's a good thing I cut my hair:)

    When I go to most places I'm terrified I'll bump into a friend and how awkward it would be.

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