Do you fear being criticized or judged by others?
Do feel anxious when being observed?
Do you find yourself constantly focused on and imagining what others are thinking about you?

Social anxiety has a few important characteristics:

• Shame:
  • "I'm socially inept"
  • "I'm so awkward"
  • "There's something wrong with me" 
    
    
• Overestimating social threats:
  • "They will all be focused on me and negatively judging me"
  • "I'll be laughed at"
  • "They'll think something is wrong with me or that I'm crazy"
    
    
• Underestimating ability to cope:
  • "I won't be able to handle it"
  • "I don't know what to do"
  • "I'll lose control and go crazy"
    
    
• Underestimating social skills:
  • "I don't know how to break into group conversations"
  • "I'm not sure how long to hold eye contact"
  • "I don't know how to stand up for myself"
    
    
• Avoidance and safety behaviors:
  • "I'll just rush through the conversation and get it over with as soon as possible"
  • "I'll just say something came up and stay home and watch movies instead"
  • "I'll only go if John goes. He'll take the attention off of me"