I could have written this essay; I feel ALL of this deeply. My closest relationships have always been with the big personality people. Subconsciously allowing me to be the smiling, laughing partner in crime without having to take center stage, I suppose. Your point about letting there be silence is spot on and something I’ve been working on myself. Another great read.
What an inspiring article! I am more like your husband (🤣) but in my line or work I mainly meet people who feel isolated and disconnected, and social anxiety seems to be a constant there. I suggest most of what written here (behavioural activation here we go), especially the spotlight trick. Also, I have not seen it here but maybe you do this: I suggest meeting people through activities rather than parties/pubs etc. That is because if theres a shared activity, like say gardening, the spotlight is automatically on the activity and small talk is replaced by talking about the activity and why we chose to do it - this always works wonders :)
I could have written this essay; I feel ALL of this deeply. My closest relationships have always been with the big personality people. Subconsciously allowing me to be the smiling, laughing partner in crime without having to take center stage, I suppose. Your point about letting there be silence is spot on and something I’ve been working on myself. Another great read.
What an inspiring article! I am more like your husband (🤣) but in my line or work I mainly meet people who feel isolated and disconnected, and social anxiety seems to be a constant there. I suggest most of what written here (behavioural activation here we go), especially the spotlight trick. Also, I have not seen it here but maybe you do this: I suggest meeting people through activities rather than parties/pubs etc. That is because if theres a shared activity, like say gardening, the spotlight is automatically on the activity and small talk is replaced by talking about the activity and why we chose to do it - this always works wonders :)