SunFlwr22 1 Posted January 23, 2015 Hello, I am 22 years old. I find it a bit hard to talk to the people in my life about my anxiety so I thought I'd try looking for people who might understand. Some people may see me as out going but thats only from the people I've know for a VERY long time and who are like family to me. With new people it tends to be the opposite and they usually describe me as shy or quiet. I guess something I'm willing to admit on here is that I am a chronic blusher. In new situations, with new people, out in public I tend to blush or even in random situation. I have found that usually when I dress up and put on make up Idon't blush as much as I do when I do not wear any make up on. I'd like to leave my foundation behind somedays but it has seriosuly turned into my safety blanket, even though at times my blushing shows up even when I have makeup on (but not as much as when I go bar skined). It does affect me everyday. Before I leave my house I have to prep myself mentally and I guess sort of place myself in the situation I'm going to be in. For example, If I am going to the store, I'll place myself there mentally and say that "its ok, no need to blush." It sounds dumb but it helps sometimes. There are days when my blushing is managable and then there are those other days that just make the days longer. I think I like to challemge myself too because I am currently in college and my major is in social work. A lot of SOCIAL interaction that goes on that I have been able to survive through so far. I usually don't talk about this because I feel like most won't understand how I feel but I thought maybe on here it's something I could put out there. Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bee123 16 Posted January 24, 2015 Hi Sunflwr, nice to meet you I'm 19 and also studying social work. I can completely relate with the shyness meeting new people! I guess with the blushing just tell yourself that other people probably don't even notice that you're blushing but its more obvious to you because you know it's happening. I always carry a bottle of water with me and take a sip whenever I feel nervous interacting with new people, it seems to help and gets me out of talking for a bit. Or i find it helpful to look at an object slightly to the side of the person im talking to and focus on that. It still looks like your looking at them but its not as intimidating. There's lots of nice people on here with great advice, hope it works out for you x 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonathan123 2367 Posted January 24, 2015 Hi SunFlwr22. Welcome to AC. I used to blush when I was young. It is really a reaction to what others may think about us. Strangely, it is a response mechanism to the idea that we may be got at, attacked (not physically) so, like an animal that changes colour when in danger, we respond by the blood rushing to the face and neck, the parts that are visible to the supposed attacker. The unconscious idea is to frighten the supposed attacker off. But this is all in the unconscious and we aren't aware of the reason consciously. My feeling about this is to blush away. So what! Accept the blushing without getting in a state about it. I am aware of the embarrassment you feel but, as Bee says, I doubt whether many people even notice. I wish you the best of luck in your studies. Jon. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SunFlwr22 1 Posted January 24, 2015 Thanks Bee and Jonathan. Somehow I find it comforting to put it out here. I know I have to get comftorable with myself. I do notice that in the days I'm not comftorable with myself or when I overthink too much I tend to blush more. But your guys' encouragement and advice really helps 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
