Dear Everyone Who Has Social Anxiety But Leaves Their Comfort Zone Everyday,

I am not like you. I have no idea what it feels like to have social anxiety or be overwhelmed by crowds. I love bustling groups of people and doing new things, I always have. But I see you. I see you everyday and I want you to know how proud I am of you.

I see you in my friends. In the one who was terrified of leaving home for a new state to work in a camp all summer and serve over 10,000 campers. She knew what she was getting into and that it would be quite possibly the hardest thing she'd done yet, but she did it anyway. I see you in my friend who is terrified of failure yet pushes harder and harder each day no matter the consequences.

I know that life isn't always easy for you. I know that sometimes you just have to get away for a while because people are exhausting and overwhelming. I know that some days it's all you can do to make yourself leave your room. And I am so proud of you. Your's is a life of constant struggle, of constantly pushing your limits and leaving your comfort zone. You have forced yourself to grow likely more than I will ever have to, and that is amazing.

Even when you feel like you are failing, I promise that you are not. Every day you are victorious. Every time you smile or laugh at a joke I see you losing some of that tension and fear. Every day you leave your room and your comfort zone I see you growing in courage and strength.

Your bravery is not unnoticed, even if you feel like it's small, because sometimes the hardest things are the tiniest things. You are a conqueror and a warrior, never forget that. And just in case you ever forget, I am always in your corner and am so, so, so proud of you.

Love,

Your Extroverted Friend Who Gets You In Awkward Situations