Brand new to this group. I definitely have avoidant personality disorder.  After all these years, of therapy and talk and medication and forcing myself to do certain things. So positive if I forced myself, I would be fine (I wasn't). Hell I even served in the military (by the way I am girl). Finally, FINALLY, I get it.  And the odd thing...I am a great public speaker, have been for years.  But picking up the phone to speak to someone, even a good dear friend (of which I have few, most have given up on me) panic.  I guess the public speaking is like acting which comes rather easily to me.  Its like putting on a gorgeous dress and makeup which I love. I read a few of the posts here, to other people they would seem like ramblings but to me it is almost like another language I understand.  Happy to be here.  But DON'T CALL ME.  I won't pick up.