Social anxiety from the view of a social person. You’re probably thinking, “what?” How’s that even possible?

Oh, it’s possible.

It’s difficult to put in to words what it’s like to feel uncomfortable and awkward when deep down you know you’re social and you can socialize, but something is preventing you from doing so. Something just seems "off."

You aren't sure what exactly is preventing you, though. You have friends, a significant other, you're getting enough sleep and doing well in your classes. So, what exactly is making you feel so awkward and worthless?

You put items down in the store to avoid confrontation and you feel the need to overly apologize for things you know you didn't do or cause. Why are you like this?

My social anxiety didn’t start getting unbearable until I was older. When I was younger, I was naive. I didn’t realize what was going on in the world around me.

Now, I realize that not all people are good people. I realize that people talking about me is possible and other people’s opinions of me are real.

All of these factors have influenced my social anxiety and made it much worse.

Now, I'm not saying that other people aren't allowed to have an opinion of me, but that I am much too aware of their opinion. I can convince myself to believe just about anything, even if it's the farthest stretch from the truth.

Everyone's triggers are different. Things are confusing. You are afraid of saying the wrong things and making others uncomfortable.

While you’re with your friends you’re constantly thinking about your next move and what you’re gonna say. You feel like you can’t let yourself stray from the group or be different, because you don’t want to make yourself stand out.

And then you’re sad when you don’t stand out. Social anxiety is truly a vicious cycle that takes a lot from you, but also forces you to grow and become your own person. Some may think it's crazy to believe that social anxiety creates a better person.

It may be crazy. It may be far fetched. Overcoming social anxiety is a lot of things. What it isn't though, is impossible.

Don't put down your items in the store, order the soda instead of settling with a water because you're too embarrassed, take the elevator and be yourself.

You are not defined by your social anxiety. You're defined by your personality, your smile, your laugh and your strengths. You're defined by the beautiful factors that mask your anxiety.

While all of me wishes that I didn’t deal with any type of anxiety, I’m no longer mad about it. I’ve accepted that social anxiety is always going to be something that I have to work around and blossom from.

As I’ve grown older, it’s become more crippling, but I’ve also learned how to deal with it better. Overall, while I realize that I can deal with this, I recognize that others can not and I’m able to sympathize with those people.

It is my wish that one day you all can overcome your demons. Know you are not alone and one day you’ll be able to look your anxiety dead in the eyes to say, “You’ve met your match.”