I'm that way a lot of the time and I agree, when you face the fear and go through with it I generally feel better at the results to. It's surprising, but a lot of times I'm disappointed in myself also. I hate being put on the spot, but what helps is if you repeat the phrase, "They're not out to get me, just answer the question." That seems to help.

Good luck :)

The more you face your fears, the better youll be in social situations. When talking one on one with someone, lets say at a party, I forget about myself. I think about the person in front of me and ask appropriate questions, letting that person answer. I stay in the moment, really listening, which takes all my concentration, and therefore I dont think about myself or my fears. When asked a question, I have the power to change the subject if I feel like Im on the spot. If Im in a group of people all talking and having fun, I soak it up by really listening. I do whatever it takes to get my mind off myself.

Remember: Be in the moment. The future hasnt happened yet and is subject to change.

Thank You all for your comments. Your feedback is very helpful and useful!!!
I try more often to join into
conversations with others. Although I find answering probing questions about myself very difficult to deal with I try to do so. I learn so much from these encounters such as: Maybe the disapproval I am picking up and attributing as coming from others is really coming from me. What do you think?

Sure, were our own worst enemies. We critique our words once theyve been said, and by then, its too late. We have to think before we speak, and not beat ourselves up after the fact.

I like what you said about us being our own worst enemies. There is no more formidable foe out there. We know our weaknesses, we know which buttons to press and when the world hurts us we finish the job!!
That's why I am convinced that we need to
act as our own best friend and completely
love ourselves completely the way we are
in the present moment.

I feel the same way most of the time. I'm ok dealing with people one on one but in a group of people I feel threatened. I've been in AA for a few years and when I get asked to share on a topic I sometimes freeze up.A couple of months ago I volunteered to chair meetings at my homegroup. I get nervous when I start the meeting and have to do some readings but I get through it ok. Then I get to call on people to share on the topic that i picked. The pressure is on them then. I've even been told that I've done a good job chairing, but it's not about me being in charge, I get to be of help to other people

I like what you said unverse about each of us acting as our own best friends and that we should completely love ourselves the way we are in the present moment. I really needed to hear that today. I have been so down on myself lately. I just have to learn to accept myself for who I am.