Don't you think it's important to let your boyfriend know what you go through? If he doesn't know, it's only going to make your anxiety worse because you are trying to hide what you suffer with. If he loves you, he will stand by you. I hope we are able to support and help you the best that we can. Hugs GB

Dear Imecklen,

I completely understand you, as I myself have Avoidant Personality Disorder, a form of social anxiety. I have kept it from a lot of people, except from those that really matter to me.

You have to weigh the pros and cons with every person you tell. Some will be sympathetic, others won't. If you feel your social anxiety is affecting your relationship with your boyfriend then you need to do something about it. Like Gramybear said if he's sympathetic he will understand you and support you. If he's not then it's a good time to get out because it's an indication of bad times ahead.

If you decide to tell him do so without any emotions involved and explain what it is in simple facts, such as "I suffer from social anxiety, which means that I can get nervous in crowded environments." You could instead say that you're very shy.

That's how I've done it in the past, depending on how knowledgeable people are about mental health. For the most part it's worked, with the exception of one former friend who decided I was crazy and stopped talking to me. Her loss, not mine :)

Other people here I'm sure will give you more advice.

Take care

Before you have this conversation with your boyfriend or anyone else about your anxiety, I invite you to try a brief meditation. Begin by closing your eyes and take 3 deep breaths in and out. Now close your eyes and focus on your breath for just a few in and outs. Next see yourself as a child coming to you for advice and a hug. She is anxious, in tears and needs your help. She is tired and exhausted from running. Next visualize yourself today as a capable adult that has lived life to the best of your ability. Kneel down to her and hold her in your arms and let her know that everything is going to be ok and that nothing is wrong with her. Love her and let her know that she can go to sleep now and that you're in charge now. Lay her to rest on a cloud and watch her peacefully float away. Focus back on your breath. Take another deep breath and now see yourself now as you are. Reach out to her and forgive her. Forgive her for all the negative thoughts you've ever had about her and let her know that she is whole, perfect and complete. Let her know that you are awakened to the power that has always been with you and lay her down to rest and watch her float away as the child did before. Put your hand to your heart now and thank them for being a part of you. Thank them, but that they are not needed at this time. As you bring your focus back to your breath slowly open your eyes and come back to this moment. Say out loud that fear and anxiety are apart of me that I honor, but is not needed at this time. Thank you, fear. Thank you, anxiety. I see that you serve me in ways, but you are not serving me now so I choose to let you go.

I wish you peace on your warrior's journey.