Feeling anxious, introverted or awkward in social situations, you're not alone.

Welcome back to Savvy Psychologist.

I'm your host Dr. Monica Johnson.

Every week on this show, I'll help you face life challenges

with evidence-based approaches,

a sympathetic ear, and zero judgment.

You may not identify as introverted.

Maybe you've been diagnosed with social anxiety,

or you just feel socially awkward in general.

Whatever the case may be, there are many of us that desire social interaction and closer

relationships, but it doesn't come naturally to us.

In fact, many social interactions can feel threatening.

For instance, a great friend of mine is getting married and I'm invited to the wedding.

My first thought was, heck yeah, I'm super happy for you.

And my second thought was,

now I have to be at a wedding.

We're the only person I'm going to know is the bride.

This is an introverts nightmare. The introductions, having to remember all those names,

the forced smiles, the dreaded small talk.

Suffice it to say, I and many others will read that as threatening.

You might be wondering what happens when we read an environment as threatening and what does that mean exactly? Threatening doesn't mean that it's abusive, violent, or anything of that nature? When you

struggle socially, simply saying, hi, I'm Terence.

...