When Sharing Feels Scary
Lately, I’ve been feeling this thing — like when I share something personal or open up just a little, I start overthinking everything. I get anxious thinking maybe my friends will talk behind my back or think I’ve changed just because I said something different for once.
It’s not like anything bad happened… it’s just this feeling. Like I regret sharing even if nothing was wrong.
I know it’s probably just anxiety or overthinking, but it feels real.
Like suddenly I’m so aware of myself. How I sound. How I look. What they might think of me. And then I wonder why did I even say anything at all?
I don’t know what this is called exactly, but maybe it’s social anxiety or just being too self-conscious. Either way, it kinda sucks.
If anyone else feels this too, I guess… I just want to say you’re not alone.
And if you read this, thanks. I really needed to say it somewhere.
@affectionateHemlock9790 thank you - wholeheartedly - for this Hemlock; you've voiced what a lot of people are afraid of, namely that there is an inherent vulnerability in sharing. We live in an age of overshare, so sometimes we can feel pressured to do the same. Divulging any detail about ourselves can feel like risking exposure to ridicule, or displaying weakness. Yet it is in self-disclosure that we get to know both others and ourselves, as we need a sounding-board to reverberate and amplify our own beliefs, constructs and experiences. Otherwise, we remain in an echo chamber of solitude. You've mentioned social anxiety and the dangers in overthinking and/or replaying conversations, which is a valid concern, but there is no one else dwelling on your insecurities.
